As the most populous country in Eastern Europe as well as the birthplace of the largest anticommunist dissident movement; Poland is crucial in understanding the end of the Cold War. During the 1980s; both the United States and the Soviet Union vied for influence over Poland's politically tumultuous steps toward democratic revolution. In this groundbreaking history; Gregory F. Domber examines American policy toward Poland and its promotion of moderate voices within the opposition; while simultaneously addressing the Soviet and European influences on Poland's revolution in 1989. With a cast including Reagan; Gorbachev; and Pope John Paul II; Domber charts American support of anticommunist opposition groups--particularly Solidarity; the underground movement led by future president Lech Wa322;281;sa--and highlights the transnational network of Polish emigres and trade unionists that kept the opposition alive. Utilizing archival research and interviews with Polish and American government officials and opposition leaders; Domber argues that the United States empowered a specific segment of the Polish opposition and illustrates how Soviet leaders unwittingly fostered radical; pro-democratic change through their policies. The result is fresh insight into the global impact of the Polish pro-democracy movement.
#308352 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2013-08-01 2013-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x 1.03 x 6.10l; 1.32 #File Name: 146960972X416 pages
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