Research problems of the 1989-1990 period. Lecture by Tomasz Nałęcz, PhD
The Institute of Political Sciences of Vistula University invites students and staff to listen to a lecture by Tomasz Nałęcz, PhD., on ’Research problems of the 1989-1990 breakthrough period – in reference to the book by Daria and Tomasz Nałęcz, The breakthrough time, Warsaw, 2019’. The lecture and discussion will take place on December the 12th, 2019, at 10:00 am, in room 21.
The years 1989–1990 were a turning point in the 20th-century history of Poland, comparable to the breakthrough of autumn 1918, although interpreted differently, especially in the world of politics. The great upheaval took place peacefully, dismantling the communist system and undermining the famous thesis in political science that the fall of a dictatorship, is usually paid with a price, not lower than its establishment. Polish society played the most significant role in those events. The Polish people, fed up with communism, were ready to rebel against the weakening power. However, the behaviour of the team of General Wojciech Jaruzelski and the “Solidarity” movement headed by Lech Wałęsa, also had a significant importance. It is also impossible to understand these events, without taking into account the game played behind-the-scenes by the Polish Church and the Americans, advocating the peaceful dismantling of the communist system. The interpretation of sources allows, in particular, for a new presentation of the genesis of Tadeusz Mazowiecki’s government.
We can also see the war inside the Solidarity movement in a new light. It culminated in the presidential election in 1990.
Tomasz Nałęcz, PhD, historian, journalist, and lecturer of Vistula University, specialises in issues of Polish and universal history of the 20th century, particularly in the history of the Piłsudski camp. Politics and administration have also been his research field for over a decade.
He played an active role in political life, for many years, was a member of the Labour Union, deputy speaker of the Polish Parliament and Chairman of the first parliamentary investigation commission – examining the Rywin scandal. In the period 2010-2015, he was an adviser to the President, Bronisław Komorowski. Currently, he is a member of the Programme Council of the Bronisław Komorowski Institute.
We cordially invite all those interested
on December the 12th, 2019, at 10:00 am, Senate Hall No. 21.
The lecture will be held in Polish.
