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| As secretary of Poland's communist party, Jaruzeski came to power on February 9, 1981, after the USSR became concerned about over the rising popularity and power of the Solidarity union. By the end of 1981, Jaruzelski would declare martial law to regain control of the country.
Though he lifted martial law in 1983, the communists continued to maintain control until the fall of communism began in 1989. In 1989 Poland became the first Eastern-Bloc country to hold free elections. Jaruzelski assumed the post of president in July of 1989 until it was filled by Lech Walesa in 1990. |
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Lech Walesa
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Poland
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