# Martial law (1981)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1981-martial-law
Location: Poland
Categories: main-event

On 13 December 1981 General Wojciech Jaruzelski declared martial law. Solidarity was suspended, about 10,000 activists were interned, and tanks appeared on the streets. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (13 December 1981), the governing authority was Henryk Jabłoński (Chairman of the Council of State), together with Wojciech Jaruzelski (First Secretary of the PZPR; Chairman of the Council of State; President of Poland). Historian who served as formal head of state during the Gierek era and martial law. Martial law mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Martial law mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Edward Raczyński](https://poland-history.com/rulers/edward-raczynski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Martial law in Poland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_law_in_Poland)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Martial law](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Martial+law)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)