Wojciech Jaruzelski
Wojciech Jaruzelski
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski is the full name of this Polish military leader and politician. He is commonly known as General Jaruzelski.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 6, 1923, in Kurów, Poland.
Died on May 25, 2014, at the age of 90, in Warsaw, Poland.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Polish nationality. Jaruzelski was a military leader and politician who served as:
First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (1970-1981)
Minister of Defense (1968-1983, 1992-1993)
Chairman of the Council of State (1985-1990)
Acting President of Poland (1989-1990)
Early Life and Background
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Wojciech Jaruzelski was born in Kurów, a small town in eastern Poland. His family had a modest background; his father worked as an engineer. Young Wojciech developed an interest in politics from an early age and joined the Polish Socialist Party (PPS) while still at school. In 1943, he began studying law at the University of Warsaw but soon dropped out to join the resistance movement against Nazi Germany.
Major Accomplishments
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Jaruzelski's military career was marked by several significant accomplishments:
Defense of Poland in World War II: As a young officer, Jaruzelski fought against the German invasion and later participated in the Warsaw Uprising.
Military service under Władysław Gomułka: He served as a member of the Polish United Workers' Party (PZPR) and rose through the ranks to become a prominent figure in the party's military wing.
Suppression of Solidarity movement: In 1981, Jaruzelski declared martial law in Poland, effectively crushing the Solidarity trade union movement led by Lech Wałęsa.Notable Works or Actions
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Jaruzelski played a crucial role in several significant events during his tenure:
Constitutional changes: He oversaw amendments to the Polish Constitution in 1985, which introduced elements of democratic governance.
Polish Round Table Talks: Jaruzelski participated in negotiations with opposition leaders, including Lech Wałęsa, leading to a transition towards democracy.Impact and Legacy
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Wojciech Jaruzelski's legacy is complex:
Authoritarian rule: His introduction of martial law and subsequent suppression of dissent earned him widespread criticism.
Transition to democracy: However, his role in facilitating the Round Table Talks contributed significantly to Poland's transition towards democratic governance.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Wojciech Jaruzelski remains a significant figure due to:
Pivotal moments in Polish history: His actions during World War II and the subsequent decades of military rule have left an indelible mark on Poland's modern history.
* Complexity and nuance: Despite criticism, Jaruzelski's role in shaping Poland's transition towards democracy highlights the complexities surrounding his leadership.
Quotes by Wojciech Jaruzelski
But, in 1968, I was the defense minister implementing a political decision, convinced that there were grounds for that on the basis of the information available to us then.
It was a stupid political act ... today I deeply regret it but at the time I could not act otherwise. It was a political decision,
Socialism as such from its very origins is a workers' system, and when there occur deviations, it is workers that react first.
There were three causes that accounted for the proclamation of martial law in Poland. First it was the progressing economic ruin of the country. Second, it was the decomposition of the functioning of the state. And third, a threat of a civil war.
I do not have to look for credentials for my Polishness and for my patriotism. I'm a Pole. The chronicles of my family go back - as far back as the 13th century.
Thank goodness we don't live in medieval times, when people fought wars over ideas.