Ewolucja ideowo-polityczna Stowarzyszenia PAX w okresie pierwszych miesięcy „karnawału Solidarności” (sierpień–grudzień 1980)
Ideological and political evolution of PAX Association during the first months of “Carnival of Solidarność” (August–December 1980)

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents political and ideological evolution of PAX Association in the early months of the so-called “Carnival of Solidarność [Solidarity]” (August–December 1980). It concentrates on basic assumptions of ideology and program of progressive Catholics’ movement under continuous leadership of Bolesław Piasecki until the end of World War II and on their modifications after his death. It also focuses on the concept of “socialism of the whole nation”, promoted by the Association, self-government, democratization, widening of the so-called “government base”, and development of common ground for national consensus (from the National Agreement Movement to the Great Coalition). It analyses relationships between PAX Association, independent trade unions (NSZZ “Solidarność”) and government apparatus. According to PAX’s program, “Solidarność” was not just a typical trade union, but a social, nation-wide movement for reclaiming of civil laws. Therefore it was supposed to participate in decision making at government level as an independent being, this creating a new “vertical axis” of state structures. During the period of “Carnival of Solidarność” many PAX members joined independent trade unions. The Association contributed significantly to establishment of trade union structures.

• Details
• Contents