September 1939 Germany and the USSR invade Poland, dividing the nation. Under Nazi rule, six million Polish citizens, many of them Jews, are murdered. 1947 Communists sweep national elections. Under the shadow of the Soviet Union, industries are nationalized, production on farms drops. Labor strife brings the country to its knees, before the government grants concessions to striking workers.
Workers earn the right to form unions and the right to strike.
Solidarity leaders propose a nationwide referendum that would establish a non-Communist government if the current government did not accept a series of labor demands. The government in turn imposes martial law, and the union leaders, including Lech Walesa, are jailed. December 1982 Martial law is lifted. The government reaches a historic accord with opposition factions on a number of reforms, including free elections. In free elections, candidates with the backing of Solidarity are clear winners.