Background:
Lech Walesa was born on September 29th, 1943 in Popowo, Poland. Walesa
received an exceptional education. In 1961, Walesa graduated from vocational
school as a licensed electrician. Following his graduation, Walesa began
employment as a car mechanic. 4 years later, in 1965, Walesa joined Poland’s
military service for two years. While serving, he successfully arose to the rank of
corporal. After serving in the military, Walesa began working as a marine electrician
at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk, Poland. In 1969, married his wife Danuta Golos
and reared eight children.
In December 1970, the relationship between the Poland government and laborers were extremely tense and strained. As a laborer himself, he was prompted to support the workers’ movement. Because of his affiliation and interest, Walesa eventually lost his job.
Inspiration:
Catholicism was the primary source of inspiration and motivation throughout Walesa’s life. As a fervent Catholic, Walesa opposed abortion and same–sex laws that gave homosexual’s the right to participate in politics with a fulfilling, notable role. Due to Walesa’s controversial political views, the Catholic Church heavily supported Walesa and the laborers movement. So much so, that in January 1981, Walesa was genially invited by Pope John Paul II to the Vatican.
Lech Walesa’s religious perspectives often times framed his political views and policies. For instance, in 1993 during his presidency he imposed one of the
most notable and restrictive anti–abortion laws across Europe. Consequently, Poland and the Solidarity alliance was divided between liberals and conservatives. In addition, in 1994 when a group of female legislators attempted to amend Walesa’s strict abortion law, he vetoed the bill.
“Peace” Advocacy:
Well known for his human rights activism, Lech Walesa’s contributions have significantly impacted the country of Poland and many other nations across the world that strive for peace and justice. Beginning in 1978, Walesa co–founded free non–communist trade unions and also took part in many demonstrations. Due to his activities against the Poland government, he was frequently surveilled by the state security service and detained on multiple occasions.
In August 1980, Walesa committed to leading the Gdansk Shipyard Strike, in an attempt to achieve workers’ rights. He became revered as the movements leader and
incited many other strikes across Poland. During the strike Walesa managed to enter Gdansk Shipyard to lead negotiations with the authorities. As a result, The Gdansk Agreement of August 31st, 1980 was signed and permitted workers the right to protest and organize an independent union. Following the success of the laborer’s movement in Poland, Walesa began travelling around the world as a guest of the International Labour Organization. Some of the countries he visited include Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden and France. Walesa’s global recognized social justice work and contributions lead to his election as the Solidarity Chairman of the First Solidarity Congress in Gdansk.
Unfortunately, three months later, in December 1981 Polish citizens’ freedoms were again being restricted due to the fear of Soviet invasion. Under General Jaruzelski’s regime, martial law was established. As a result, Solidarity was suspended and most of its leaders, including Walesa were imprisoned, shunned or secluded. The following year in November 1982, Walesa was finally set free and returned to the Gdansk Shipyards. For that reason, Walesa was keptunder strict surveillance and Solidarity was forced underground.
In October 1983, ’s Nobel Peace Prize Award was announced;
causing significant controversy. The Jaruzelski administration was forced to
negotiate with Solidarity. Negotiations brought about important political changes, which include the establishment of parliamentary elections and the abolishment of a communist government. Poland had become mostly liberalized, which made it possible
for to be elected President of the Republic of Poland in December 1990. He served for five years, until he was defeated in the election of 1995.
The hard work, determination and suffering that Walesa endured for the movement he passionately believed in has greatly inspired me to have a more positive perspective
when I am faced with adversity. In addition, his dedication to the Solidarity alliance inspired me to seriously commit to social justice movements that I support. When returned from exile and returned to Solidarity, that was an admiring and courageous act. Throughout his life he demonstrated that he was willing to endure some suffering for the human and political rights of Poland and its working–class citizens. To consciously make the decision to risk your life, so that the greater good can enjoy freedom is undoubtedly transcendent.
Works Cited
The Nobel Peace Prize 1983. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2019, from
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1983/walesa/facts/
Zubek
, V. (1997). The eclipse of Walesas political career. Europe
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Asia
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124. doi:10.1080/09668139708412429