As an expert in the field of political history, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the end of communism in Poland.

Poland, a country with a rich and complex history, experienced a significant transformation in the latter half of the 20th century. The period from 1945 to 1989 is marked by Soviet communist dominance, which was a direct consequence of the outcome of World War II. The end of this era, and thus the end of communism in Poland, is generally considered to have occurred with the Round Table Talks of 1989 and the subsequent democratic elections that took place later that year.

The Round Table Talks were a series of discussions between the ruling Polish United Workers' Party (PZPR) and opposition groups, including Solidarity, a trade union movement that had been formed in 1980. These talks aimed to resolve the political crisis that had been escalating in the country, particularly after the imposition of martial law in 1981. The discussions led to a series of agreements that paved the way for political reforms and the first semi-free elections in Poland since World War II.

The elections held in June 1989 were a turning point. While the Communist Party was allowed to retain a guaranteed number of seats in the parliament, the majority of the seats were open to competition. The Solidarity movement, led by figures such as Lech Wałęsa, swept the elections, winning nearly all of the contested seats. This victory was a clear indication of the public's desire for change and the end of the communist regime.

The aftermath of the elections saw the formation of a coalition government, with Tadeusz Mazowiecki, a Solidarity advisor, becoming the first non-communist Prime Minister of Poland since the end of World War II. This was a significant moment, as it marked the beginning of the transition from a one-party communist state to a democratic system.

The process of dismantling the communist system and establishing a new democratic order was not without its challenges. Economic reforms were necessary to transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. This period, often referred to as the "shock therapy" of economic liberalization, led to significant short-term economic hardships for many Poles but was seen as a necessary step towards long-term economic stability and growth.

Poland's journey towards democracy was also marked by its efforts to reintegrate with Europe and the world community. In 1999, Poland became a member of NATO, and in 2004, it joined the European Union, further solidifying its status as a democratic nation and a key player in European affairs.

In summary, the end of communism in Poland can be traced back to the Round Table Talks and the elections of 1989, which led to the establishment of a coalition government and the beginning of a transition to democracy. This period was characterized by significant political, economic, and social changes that reshaped the country and set it on a new course towards a democratic future.

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History of Poland (1945-C1989) The history of Poland from 1945 to 1989 spans the period of Soviet communist dominance imposed after the end of World War II over Poland, as reestablished within new borders.read more >>