Lech Walesa

ModernRevolutionaryPoland1943 — ?

Leader of Solidarity who helped end communism in Poland.

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Quick Facts

Born

1943

Country

Poland

Era

Modern

Occupation

Revolutionary

Score Overview

Military (10%)14

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)62

Legacy (20%)56

Leadership (15%)49

Strategy (15%)34

Total Score52.4

Lech Walesa — Complete Timeline

1980 AD

Founding of SolidarityPolitical Action

Walesa co-founded the Solidarity trade union in August 1980 after leading the Gda

SolidarityLabor Movement

Impact: globalprogressive

1981 AD

Martial Law and ImprisonmentPolitical Action◆ Major

Walesa was arrested and interned on December 13, 1981, when General Jaruzelski imposed martial law in Poland. He was held for 11 months, while Solidarity was banned and its leaders suppressed.

Martial LawRepression

Impact: nationaltragic

1983 AD

Nobel Peace PrizeCultural◆ Major

Walesa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1983, for his nonviolent struggle for workers' rights and democracy. He was unable to collect it in person due to travel restrictions.

Nobel PrizePeace

Impact: globalconstructive

1989 AD

Round Table TalksPolitical Action

Walesa led Solidarity in the Round Table Talks with the communist government from February to April 1989. The agreements led to partially free elections, which Solidarity won, ending communist rule in Poland.

TransitionDemocracy

Impact: globalconstructive

1990 AD

President of PolandPolitical Action◆ Major

Walesa was elected President of Poland on December 22, 1990, in the first direct presidential election. His presidency focused on economic reform and NATO integration, but was marked by political conflicts and declining popularity.

PresidencyDemocracy

Impact: national