International Conference "The World towards Solidarity' Movement 1980–1989"ł – Wrocław, 21–23 October 2010
Call for Papers
International Conference
The World towards 'Solidarity' Movement 1980–1989
Wrocław, 21–23 October 2010
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 the right to freedom and dignified life. It appeared possible, even if for some time only, to overcome the barrier which had divided Europe. 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. This, not really formalized and reluctantly welcomed by the communist authorities, co-operation contributed to make Solidarity' stronger. 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. In a smaller way the support for Solidarity' was visible in the countries of communist bloc.
This phenomenon of a wide range should be described. In the meanwhile it was not researched enough, many archives were destroyed or scattered, only few participants of the events gave their reports. In order to change the situation, even in part, the Institute of National Remembrance in Warsaw and the Institute of History of the University of Wrocław organize the international scientific conference The World towards Solidarity' Movement 1980-1989.
We invite researchers interested in foreign reactions (of societies and governments) 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:
- Western Europe
- Eastern bloc
- USA and Canada
- Latin America
- Asia, Australia and Africa
The conference languages are Polish and English with simultaneous interpretation.
We invite researchers as authors of papers and 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.
Applications from the authors (the form is enclosed) should be sent by March, 30th, 2010. We expect an abstract of the paper (max. 500 words) either in Polish or in English together with the application form.
The program of the conference will be settled by April, 30th, 2010.
The conference will be open to the public. All participants without papers are asked for registration by sending the enclosed form with personal data. The conference is free of charge.
The applications should be sent to: [mailto]anna.piekarska@ipn.gov.pl[/mailto]
or:
Anna Piekarska
Instytut Pamie;ci Narodowej
Biuro Edukacji Publicznej
ul. Towarowa 28
00-839 Warszawa
Poland
'Konferencja 2010'
fax: +48.22.431.83.80
For additional information please contact:
Anna Piekarska – [mailto]anna.piekarska@ipn.gov.pl[/mailto]
Deputy Director of the Institute of History
for Science and International Co-operation
at the University of Wrocław
For more information and the registration form please go to the conference website