Labnet: CFP: The World and Solidarity Movement 1980-1989 - A conference in Wroclaw, Oct 2010

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From: Labourhistory.net

CFP: The World and Solidarity Movement 1980-1989: a conference in
Wroclaw, Oct 2010
URL: http://labourhistory.net/news/i0911_7.php 

International Conference "The World towards Solidarity' Movement
1980-1989"ł - Wroclaw, 21-23 October 2010

Call for Papers
International Conference
The World towards 'Solidarity' Movement 1980-1989
Wroclaw, 21-23 October 2010

When in August 1980 strikes broke out in Poland and Solidarity' movement
was created, the world public opinion realized that something important
happened. For the first time behind the iron curtain a massive,
independent from totalitarian state trade union organization appeared.
For almost a year and a half people watched the effects of non-violent
struggle of the Polish workers for the right to freedom and dignified
life. It appeared possible, even if for some time only, to overcome the
barrier which had divided Europe. Governments and parliaments,
political, social and labor organizations, church and charity societies
wanted to support Solidarity' by sending financial help, developing
contacts, advising in organizational affairs. This, not really
formalized and reluctantly welcomed by the communist authorities,
co-operation contributed to make Solidarity' stronger. It proved that
the Polish democratic movement is not alone in their struggle, what was
even more important aft
 er the martial law was introduced in December 1981. In that difficult
time Solidarity' could count on support and help from the whole world.
Spontaneous protests and manifestations could be watched in lots of
countries, various committees were created, after a few weeks sending
equipment and funds was started again, this time illegally. In a smaller
way the support for Solidarity' was visible in the countries of
communist bloc.

This phenomenon of a wide range should be described. In the meanwhile it
was not researched enough, many archives were destroyed or scattered,
only few participants of the events gave their reports. In order to
change the situation, even in part, the Institute of National
Remembrance in Warsaw and the Institute of History of the University of
Wrocław organize the international scientific conference The World
towards Solidarity' Movement 1980-1989.

We invite researchers interested in foreign reactions (of societies and
governments) to creation and activity of Solidarity' trade union and
international support for Polish opposition as well. The program of the
conference will include 5 sessions according to geographical and
political areas:
* Western Europe
* Eastern bloc
* USA and Canada
* Latin America
* Asia, Australia and AfricaThe conference languages are Polish and
English with simultaneous interpretation.
We invite researchers as authors of papers and participants in
discussions. The costs of accommodation and meals of the authors will be
covered completely. The travel costs will be covered up till 600 EUR for
European participants and 1200 EUR for others.

Applications from the authors (the form is enclosed) should be sent by
March, 30th, 2010. We expect an abstract of the paper (max. 500 words)
either in Polish or in English together with the application form.
The program of the conference will be settled by April, 30th, 2010.
The conference will be open to the public. All participants without
papers are asked for registration by sending the enclosed form with
personal data. The conference is free of charge.

The applications should be sent to: anna.piekarska at ipn.gov.pl 

or:

Anna Piekarska
Instytut Pamie;ci Narodowej
Biuro Edukacji Publicznej
ul. Towarowa 28
00-839 Warszawa
Poland

'Konferencja 2010'

fax: +48.22.431.83.80

For additional information please contact:
Anna Piekarska - anna.piekarska at ipn.gov.pl
Deputy Director of the Institute of History
for Science and International Co-operation
at the University of Wroclaw
For more information and the registration form please go to the
conference website at http://ipn.gov.pl/portal/en/2/305/