Jaruzelski Declares Martial Law: Poland Cracks Down
Wojciech Jaruzelski imposed martial law on December 13, 1981, to crush Solidarity and pro-democracy movements. His regime jailed thousands of activists, rationed basic foods like sugar and meat, and drove nearly 700,000 people from the country. This brutal crackdown ultimately failed to stop the collapse of his government, paving the way for democratic elections in 1989.
December 13, 1981
45 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on December 13
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