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Solidarity was a independent [[trade union]] in [[Communist]]-dominated [[Poland]]. Its courageous struggle for freedom ultimately helped bring about the collapse of Communism in Poland and eastern [[Europe]].

'''Solidarity''' was a independent [[trade union]] in [[Communist]]-dominated [[Poland]]. Its courageous struggle for freedom ultimately helped bring about the collapse of Communism in Poland and eastern [[Europe]].

Solidarity was founded in September 1980 during a strike at the Lenin Shipyard in [[Gdansk]], on Poland's [[Baltic Sea]] coast. Its first leader was a shipyard electrician, [[Lech Walesa]]. In 1981 the Polish government imposed [[martial law]] to suppress industrial and political unrest, and Walesa was interned; the union was forced underground for several years, but the Communist Party eventually had to negotiate. Elections held in 1989 led to a coalition government of which Solidarity formed part, and Walesa became Polish president.

Solidarity was founded in September 1980 during a strike at the Lenin Shipyard in [[Gdansk]], on Poland's [[Baltic Sea]] coast. Its first leader was a shipyard electrician, [[Lech Walesa]]. In 1981 the Polish government imposed [[martial law]] to suppress industrial and political unrest, and Walesa was interned; the union was forced underground for several years, but the Communist Party eventually had to negotiate. Elections held in 1989 led to a coalition government of which Solidarity formed part, and Walesa became Polish president.