Censorship, fear, secret police and informants used to control people. In Poland, increasing opposition to Soviet ideal. Polish Pope visits in 1979. Lech Walesa comes to power in growing Solidarity movement. Solidarity challenges Polish government and Communist party.
Soviet Union holds military maneuvers near Poland.
Polish security forces and police crack down on Solidarity supporters. But people also want political freedom. Freedom of expression in media grows. Low-level capitalism encouraged. Other countries, including Hungary and Poland, begin to lessen control.