Freedom, God and Solidarity: The Revival of Polish Nationalism

Solidarity was a trade union that formed in 1980 and turned into a national anti-authoritarian social movement that is largely attributed to ending communist rule in Poland. The Catholic Church was a key figure that helped Solidarity in their opposition to the ruling Communist Party. This thesis will analyse the revival of a dormant Polish nationalism, highlighting the ephemera of Solidarity, and other resistance media, from 1981-1989. The objects in this thesis will be examined under the two prevalent themes of religion and nationalism. This thesis aims to demonstrate how the medium of print acts as a tool of communication, and its role in establishing a sense of national identity for a nation. The themes and arguments presented will be supported by visual artefacts including Solidarity’s prints, photography and other resistance media from the decade.