1970 Polish protests

1970 Polish protests
Part of the Cold War and anti-communist resistance in Poland (1944–1989)
Zbyszek Godlewski's body carried by demonstrators in Gdynia
Date14–19 December 1970
Location
Caused byMassive increases in the prices of basic foodstuffs
MethodsDemonstrations, Protests, Riots
Resulted inGovernment victory
Parties
Protesters
Lead figures
Units involved
  • 27,000 soldiers
  • 5,000 members of special squads of police
  • 550 tanks
  • 700 armoured personnel carriers

Several thousand protesters

Casualties and losses
Several killed and injured
  • Deaths: 44
  • Injuries: 1,000+
  • Arrests: 3,000+

The 1970 Polish protests, also known as the December 1970 Events (Polish: Wydarzenia Grudnia 1970), occurred in northern Poland during 14–19 December 1970. The protests were sparked by a sudden increase in the prices of food and other everyday items. Strikes were put down by the Polish People's Army and the Citizen's Militia, resulting in at least 44 people killed and more than 1,000 wounded.