Contents
Where was Wojciech Jaruzelski born and raised?
Though he became the Polish Communist party leader, Jaruzelski was unable to boast working-class origins. Born in Kurów in south-east Poland, he came from a family of modest landowners and could trace his forebears back to 1420.
Where did Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski fight in World War 2?
When World War II broke out, the young Jaruzelski and his family were trapped by the invading Red Army, and he was deported to the Soviet Union. In 1943 he joined the Polish army formed in the Soviet Union and eventually joined the fight against Germany.
Why did Wojciech Jaruzelski order tanks to the streets of Warsaw?
Jaruzelski always insisted that he ordered Polish tanks on to the streets of Warsaw on 13 December 1981 because he believed it was the only way to prevent a Soviet invasion to put an end to the Solidarity-led strikes and demands for democratic reforms.
Why did Wojciech Jaruzelski wear dark glasses?
He always wore signature dark glasses, not because he wanted to appear sinister or intimidating, but because of the snow blindness that had damaged his eyes during wartime imprisonment in a Soviet labour camp. Though he became the Polish Communist party leader, Jaruzelski was unable to boast working-class origins.
When did Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski become Premier?
With Solidarity suppressed, Jaruzelski lifted martial law in July 1983 but remained firmly in control of both the Polish government and the PUWP. In 1985 he relinquished the post of premier, simultaneously assuming the position of president of the Council of State. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content.
When did Wojciech Jaruzelski become Minister of Defence?
In the early 1960s Jaruzelski was made deputy defence minister and simultaneously elected to the central committee of the Polish United Workers’ party. In 1968, he was elected to the party’s inner cabinet, the politburo, and became defence minister. Soon afterwards he was promoted to general.
When did Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski declare martial law?
In an effort to crush Solidarity and restore economic stability, he declared martial law in Poland on December 13, 1981; the move was accompanied by mass arrests of political dissidents and Solidarity leaders, including Lech Wałęsa.