When in August 1980 strikes broke out in Poland and ‘Solidarity’ movement was created, the world public opinion realized that something important happened. For the first time behind the iron curtain a massive, independent from totalitarian state trade union organization appeared. For almost a year and a half people watched the effects of non-violent struggle of the Polish workers for freedom. Governments and parliaments, political, social and labor organizations, church and charity societies wanted to support ‘Solidarity’ by sending financial help, developing contacts, advising in organizational affairs. It proved that the Polish democratic movement is not alone in their struggle, what was even more important after the martial law was introduced in December 1981. In that difficult time ‘Solidarity’ could count on support and help from the whole world. Spontaneous protests and manifestations could be watched in lots of countries, various committees were created, after a few weeks sending equipment and funds was started again, this time illegally.
We invite researchers interested in foreign reactions to creation and activity of ‘Solidarity’ trade union and international support for Polish opposition as well. The program of the conference will include 5 sessions according to geographical and political areas:
1. Western Europe.
2. Eastern bloc.
3. USA and Canada.
4. Latin America.
5. Asia, Australia and Africa.
The conference languages will be Polish and English with simultaneous interpretation.
We invite interested scholars to attend the conference either as authors of papers or participants in discussions. The costs of accommodation and meals of the authors will be covered completely. The travel costs will be covered up till 600 EUR for European participants and 1200 EUR for others.
Authors of papers are requested to submit their abstracts (max. 500 words) and registration forms (available at the conference's web site) by March 30, 2010. The program of the conference will be settled by April, 30, 2010.
The conference will be open to the public. Participants who are not presenting papers are requested to register using the form available at the conference's web site. There are no conference fees.