During the 1980’s, Eastern Europe experienced a wave of Democracy, dubbed as the “Third Democratic Wave” (Huntington,1). The fast speed and large expansive spread of a Democratic regime influenced one-party governments to transition to a multi-party participant regime. An example of a transition from a single party regime to a democracy was in Poland beginning in 1988, with the start of the demise of the Soviet Union. The Third Wave of Democracy, compromised of similar motives of transition among the countries that were affected. For example, the weakening authoritarian regimes as democratic ideas were strengthening and spreading, an economic growth that were global during the ‘60s, a cultural shift which derived from the transformation in the Catholic …show more content…
This was present during the Mid- 1950’s. During the summer and fall of 1956, labor strikes erected as people rallied against the disenfranchisement they faced at work. In Poland, this was known as “October” in code terms (Werblan,157). As these workers striked, they were intervened by Political authorities which led to violent suppression and confrontation. This period became to be known as the “De-Stalianzation” period as citizens decided to rid Stalin ideals after his death. However, authoritarian ruler, Wladyslaw Gomulka returned to power and enforced a much stronger and stricter authoritarian regime. Although he initially promoted social changes to satisfy the citizens and increase his popularity, he did the opposite and did not execute any changes (Werblan,155). This contributed to the unstable economy which was the main motive for movements that were executed by the workers in Poland. After many failures that would satisfy the economy and society followed by more protests and strikes Gomulka was replaced by Edward Gierek. Furthermore, the attempts made by Gierek also resulted in a failure under the communist