description Lech Wałęsa Overview
Lech Wałęsa is a Polish statesman, dissident, and former electrician who co-founded and led Solidarity (Solidarność), the Soviet bloc's first independent trade union. He gained international prominence by leading the 1980 shipyard strikes in Gdańsk, which ultimately contributed to the eventual fall of communism in Eastern Europe. For his nonviolent activism, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. Following the end of communist rule, Wałęsa served as the President of Poland from 1990 to 1995.
help Lech Wałęsa FAQ
What did Lech Wałęsa do during the 1980 Gdańsk shipyard strike?
Wałęsa, an electrician and dismissed shipyard worker, became the strike committee's leader at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk. The resulting Gdańsk Agreement recognized workers' right to form independent trade unions and helped launch Solidarity.
Why did Lech Wałęsa receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
He received the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign for workers' rights and political freedom in communist Poland. His wife, Danuta Wałęsa, accepted the award in Oslo because he feared Polish authorities might not let him return if he traveled.
When was Lech Wałęsa president of Poland?
Wałęsa served as Poland's president from 1990 to 1995. He lost the 1995 election to Aleksander Kwaśniewski.
How did Solidarity contribute to the fall of communist rule in Poland?
Solidarity survived martial-law repression and joined the 1989 Round Table negotiations with the communist government. Partly free elections in June 1989 produced a decisive opposition victory and opened the way to a Solidarity-led government.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
