Władysław Gomułka

Wladyslaw Gomulka (1905-1982) was a Polish communist leader. He was a member of the communist party starting with 1926. In the years 1951-1954 he was imprisoned and removed from the Polish United Worker's Party (post-war communists). In 1956 he was rehabilitated and chosen the leader of the party. Initially very popular for his reforms, gradually softened his opposition to Soviet pressures. In the 1960s he supported struggle against the church and some party intellectuals (e.g. Kolakowski). He supported Warsaw Pact intervention in Czechoslovakia (1968). At that time he was also responsible for persecution of students, anti-semitic propaganda and tougher censorship of the media. In December 1970, bloody clash with shipyard workers forced his resignation. New young dynamic well-spoken and energetic leader, Edward Gierek took over the party leadership. Gomulka was forced to retirement. Died forgotten in 1982. After his death, his name was partly cleared and his constructive contributions recognized.