Option B: Twentieth century topic HOW FAR WAS JARUZELSKI IN CONTROL IN POLAND IN 1981? Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. Background Information Jaruzelski became leader of Poland on 18 October 1981 because the Soviet Union had become dissatisfied with the actions of Kania in dealing with Solidarity and the strikes and protests that were occurring across Poland. However, under Jaruzelski, these continued, and even got worse. On 13 December Jaruzelski announced to the Polish people that he was imposing martial law. Some historians claim he was pressurised to do this by the Soviet Union, while others claim he was trying to avoid a Soviet military invasion. How strong a leader was Jaruzelski? Was he being told what to do by the Soviet Union or was he in control? SOURCE A [Figure 6.1] The front cover of the American ‘Time' magazine, 28 December 1981. SOURCE B I wanted to congratulate you on your election to the post of First Secretary of the Polish Communist Party. There is no other individual in the Polish Workers' Party whose authority is equal to yours. We are convinced that you will cope with the very difficult tasks before you and will do everything to overcome the severe problems facing your country. It is important, without wasting time, to take the decisive measures you intend against the counter-revolution. We hope everyone will sense that things in Poland will move along differently. Brezhnev speaking on the telephone to Jaruzelski, 19 October 1981. SOURCE C We greeted your election as First Secretary of the Polish Communist Party with great hopes. We were aware that earlier in the struggle against anti-socialist forces you were held back by the political indecisiveness of the party leadership. Now this obstacle has been eliminated. We had hoped that people in Poland would sense that things in Poland were finally on a different course. We spoke on the phone about the need for a turnabout in the situation. However, one gets the impression that this has not been achieved. The anti-socialist forces are continuing to spread their influence among ever-wider segments of the population. It seems to me that you must mobilise the entire party in the struggle to win the hearts and minds of people. I would like to mention another matter. A lot has been written about your meeting with Walesa and the agreement to set up a 'Front of National Accord'. How far can you go with such agreements without losing control over the situation? Agreements must not make concessions to the enemies of socialism. We know there are still people in the leadership of your party who want to continue the bankrupt course of Kania. A message from Brezhnev to Jaruzelski, 21 November 1981. SOURCE D [Figure 7.1] A cartoon published in the Netherlands, 12 December 1980. Brezhnev is saying to Walesa, 'I would never interfere in Poland's domestic affairs!' SOURCE E [Figure 8.1] A cartoon published in the Netherlands, 16 December 1981. The two men shown are Jaruzelski and Brezhnev. SOURCE F [Figure 8.2] A cartoon published in Poland. It was published immediately after the imposition of martial law in December 1981. SOURCE G The rigours of martial law have complicated everyday life. But these restrictions are a lesser evil than the invasion which has so long threatened us. The introduction of martial law has saved Poland from a danger whose real character and seriousness are still not comprehended in full everywhere. On 13 December there was no other way of avoiding the disintegration of the state. Where was Poland going? How long could the country, torn by strikes, aflame with tensions and sinking in a climate of artificially created hatred, have continued to survive? There is still room in Poland for responsible, independent unions and the democratisation begun last year will continue. I state that the reports of alleged tens or hundreds of fatal casualties, of thousands arrested, held in the freezing conditions, beaten up and tortured, are a lie. One cannot hide the truth about Poland in Poland. Sooner or later, it will be known to the whole world. Jaruzelski speaking to the Polish people on the radio, 25 December 1981. 1 Study Source A. What impressions does this source give of Jaruzelski? Explain your answer using details of the source.