DOCUMENT RESUME SO 034 479 ED 473 223 Henderson, Steven M. AUTHOR Hungary and Poland. "Hungary" Stable Partner in Democracy. TITLE Building Partnership for Europe: Poland after a Decade System of Transformation. Fulbright-Hayes Summer Seminars Abroad Program, 2002 (Hungary and Poland). Center for International Education (ED), Washington, DC. SPONS AGENCY 2002-00-00 PUB DATE NOTE 88p. Reports - Descriptive Teacher (052) Classroom Guides PUB TYPE (141) EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE *Curriculum Development; *Democracy; Economic Factors; DESCRIPTORS Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Learning Activities; Political Issues; *Quality of Life; Summer Programs; Thematic Approach Fulbright Hays Seminars Abroad Program; *Hungary; *Poland; IDENTIFIERS Social Reality; USSR ABSTRACT This curriculum project provides insight into the transformation processes in which the nations of Hungary and Poland have been participating, from approximately 1979-2002. A major focus of the project is to organize a set of information that teachers and students can analyze and understand the Hungarian and Polish quality of life during the Soviet era and after each nation gained its independence. This curriculum compilation (1) ideas about how educators might use excerpts from includes four sections: (2) answers to a set of the project with students as primary source material; questions asked by the Fulbright seminar participant (the author) about (3) detailed lecture politics, economics, and society in Poland and Hungary; a bibliography of materials for notes from each day of the seminar; and (4) reader insights into useful topic resources related to Hungary and Poland. Three themes were employed to anchor the central questions used to interview (1) methods of political, lecturers and other participants in the project: social, and economic control used by the Soviet Union to govern in Hungary (2) freedom efforts, employed by citizens in Hungary and Poland, and Poland; which were aimed at securing political, social, and economic control over their own fate; and (3) how well Hungary and Poland have fared socially, economically, and politically since each nation gained its independence from Soviet influence. (BT) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. '11 Fulbright Hays Seminars Abroad, Summer 2002 Project: Hungary and Poland: "Hungary" Stable Partner in Democracy" "Building Partnership for Europe: Poland after a Decade System of Transformation" Submitted by: Steven M. Henderson U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Olive of Educational Research and Improvement BEST COPY AVAILABLE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it c-N Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this t document op not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy 2 which The purpose of this project is to provide insight into the transformation processes, approximately 1979 the nations of Hungary and Poland have been participating in from which through 2002. A major focus of this project is to organize a set of information Soviet era teachers and students can analyze to understand the 'quality of life" during the Hungarian for Hungarian and Polish people, and also to understand the quality of life for and polish people once each nation gained their independence "for During the summer seminar, attempts were made to learn about "what life was like 1989. citizens who lived under Soviet domination in Hungary and Poland from 1979 until Efforts were also focused upon learning about how life has been for the participants (average citizens) in recent years. which The year 1979 was selected because it is ten years prior to 1989, the year during in the the efforts of citizens in Hungary and Poland, combined with other factors, resulted nation. The end of Soviet influence over the political economic and social affairs of each which the six-week seminar year 2002 was selected because it is the summer, year during abroad occurred. The method(s) employed to gather the information used in this project Revolution, Rudolph were Reading of scholarly publications, (Hungary's Negotiated Tokkes, 1996); (The Past in Poland's Present, Norman Davies, 2001) among others, Travel, and interviews of respective lecturers. Educators may use excerpts from the finished product as primary source material, from which students may gather impressions of the experiences, which people who participated in the project shared in stories. Through the use of some of the ideas expressed herein teachers and students will gain an idea of how life portrayed in the stories of the participants is similar to, and or differs from the portrayals (about life under communist leadership, and the changes, post 1989 in east central Europe) which are presented in texts commonly used in the teachers respective courses. The contents of this compilation will include: Ideas about how educators might use excerpts from the project with students as primary source material. Answers to a set of standard questions asked by Fulbright seminar participant Steve Henderson (of lecturers) about politics economics and society in Poland and Hungary. Detailed lecture notes from each day of the seminar. A Bibliography of materials, which may give readers insights about useful resources on topics related to Hungary and Poland respectively. 3 interview lecturers Three themes were used to anchor the central questions often used to follows: and other participants in the project. The themes, and questions are as control used Theme #1: Exploring methods of political, social and economic by the Soviet Union to govern in Hungary and Poland. Which elements of Socialism were most beneficial, and which were most the restrictive for citizens during the time when the Soviet Union influenced government practices in Hungary and Poland? end to When, why, and how did the most lasting changes, which brought about an Communism in Hungary and Poland take place? Which groups, people were responsible for the progress, changes? and Theme #2: Exploring freedom efforts, employed by citizens in Hungary control Poland, which were aimed at securing political, social and economic over their own fate. Hungary How did the past experiences of citizens, (under Soviet influence) in and Poland help to motivate citizens towards taking the risks associated with establishing democratic government and free market economics? Theme #3: Exploring how well Hungary and Poland have fared socially economically and politically since each nation gained their independence from Soviet influence. that have Which elements have been the forces, since independence in each nation kept them moving towards stable democracy and free market economics? Describe, list explain the main steps which Hungary and Poland are taking to Joining NATO in prepare for membership in the European Union. Example= 1999. What are the anticipated benefits of membership in the European Union for Hungary and Poland respectively? How does life for citizens over the last 12 years compare to life during the decade before the end of communism? 4 COMPARRISON AREAS CONNOTING QUALITY OF LIFE: Economic Opportunity and Competition Political Social Religious Choice Life Expectancy Average Education Level Unemployment Crime Rate For which groups (Children of school age, working age adults, Elderly) has life improved, (socially= choice, economically= standard of living, politically= voting and civil rights) in Hungary and Poland since each nation gained their independence? For which groups has life become worse, (socially= choice, economically=standard of living, politically = voting, and civil rights) since each nation has become independent? The themes presented above, and the subsequent questions were utilized, to interview speakers, and others when appropriate, given the topic, and nature of the academic ?? reflect lecture, or social encounter. The information featured in the notes, pages?? daily topics, which were covered in academic lectures, and less formal circumstances. Pages 4 through 13 contain interviews, which took place after the seminar was over. The individual's responses will be featured in their entirety. Each individual will be cited in the bibliography of this project. Twenty four year old college student at Warsaw University, Wojetek Augustyniak majoring in history, with a focus on Communism in Poland in the post WWII era responded to some of the central project questions in the following manner: 1. Which elements of Communism were most restrictive from 1975 to 1990? Which were most beneficial, and to whom? Most Poles who lived in the 70's find that it was the most successful decade in the last fifty years. Here are a few reasons why many people reportedly felt that way: In 1970 Wadysaw Gomuka, head of PZPR (Communist Party) had to leave office after workers were massacred in strikes at Gdansk and Szczecin. Gomuka was very conservative, and a mean head of the party. He was at the top since 1956; people were tired because of his policies. His successor became Edward Gierek, a relatively young modern chief of the party from the Silesia region. There are many coalmines in the region. It was probably the richest region in Poland in these times. The economy was based on coal-powered electricity. Gierek was a person who made sure that miners were well paid. Miners got a special retirement system, (very advantageous). He was really liked and people trusted him. 5 development in When he got power he decided to change the aims of economic the 70's Poland from heavy industrial, to more pro-consumers economy. In automobile Poland got very important investments like: roads, food factories, There was huge plants, which were to make "inexpensive cars for every Pole". families. growth in the real estate market. Flats became available for most young In 1970 Most of the financing for these developments came from foreign loans. In 1978 Poland was not an indebted state, and even had some significant savings. prosperity in the Polish debts exceeded $24 Billion USD. These were the costs of 70's and Poland is still paying for it. Many investments that Gierek started were Gierek's not efficient. Some Polish economists note that about %40 of investments were irrational, and were unfounded. Others stated that Gierek on). The bought the Poles for a (small flat, small car, holidays in Bulgaria and so Political 70's were beneficial for most citizens as the level of living grew rapidly. 70's in problems were in the shadow. Era of Consumerism is a good name for the Poland. people of Marshall law XII was ordered by the government clamped down on the Poland in 1981 after a short period of hope, brought on by Solidarity, and real changes in the political and economic system. The communist government put into jail or interned thousands of solidarity activists, or so called suspicious activities. It is possible to persons. The system started to take of away all citizens' that it is few count, how many people died during Marshal law. Official data says hundred people. It is not possible to count how many died because: Phones were disconnected and people couldn't call to emergency or hospital. Transport was blocked, (it was forbidden to go to other province or city without special permission from the army) People were not allowed to be out of home after 8 p.m. Shops were empty and so on. Years between 1983 and 1988 I find were wasted. There was political and economic stagnation in Poland in these times. 2. How did the Communists system reward followers and punish dissenters? Rewards for Followers: Easier way to buy a flat, cars and other expensive goods if you were loyal to the party. Some of the Communists Party members could buy products at special shops. Foreign trips, scholarship and others for party loyalists. Higher salaries. Phone at home (!!). Fast career at jobs and institutions. 6 Punishment for dissenters: Years in jail Persecutions in private and professional life by secret police. Beating by unknown perpetrators. school student Murders of priest Jerzy Popie uszko, and 18-year-old high Grzegorz Przemyk-, son of protester connected with opposition. Blocked career path. No travel abroad. and so on. Refusing simple things in every day life in institutions, hospitals, politically, and 3. Which negative elements of communism socially, strike? economically helped to motivate citizens towards taking the risk to Achieving democracy and free market economics? communism were more In my opinion, most of the citizens who supported the fight with goods available motivated by economic aspects of life in western countries (big salaries, But striking always in every shop). Ideas of freedom and democracy were also important. socialism workers didn't think about capitalist states. What they imagined was closer to rights, health care in Sweden for example. State, which developed care system, workers of their demands and others. When workers started striking in Shipyards in Gdansk, most political. were on economic standing only few were has For which groups; children of school age, working age? Adults elderly 4. life improved? (choice, right economic opportunity till now 2002)? about our current It is easier to say that now life is easier and every one should be happy privileges they had when Poland was system. But it is not true. Lots of people lost many a communist state. Groups that lost, and or are not doing as well presently under the new system: Weak qualified workers from big non-profitable plants. Workers from state farms who went bankrupt. how Many people, now over 40, who worked all life in one place, (couldn't learn to find another job, how to develop their qualifications). medicine, Retired people: after 1989 life became much more expensive (food, living). Employees of state (teachers, scientists, cultural institution). Groups, which have had the opportunity to improve: People well educated with knowledge of foreign languages. Citizens of big cities. People strongly motivated to improve their life ( people who started their own businesses. 7 I Active people. `,1 Poland. People can feel freedom, Now, (today) there are many possibilities for citizens in shadowed by big social but many of them do not value these aspects because they are problems like unemployment (16%). of Rhode Island, Thirty two year old PHD student at the University Pitor Souza He moved to the U.S. focusing on English Literature is a Polish National form Lodz. Fulbright group during our from Warsaw. Pitor helped with the hospitality for the and therefore pre-departure orientation. He travels to Poland at least once per year, the years. He has keen perception of how things have changed in Poland over responded to the project questions in the following manner: restrictive, and which were 1. Which elements of Communism were the most in Poland? the most beneficial during the period of Soviet Control Restrictive Elements: kinds(food clothes, There was extremely limited access to consumer goods of various limited, (school technology, etc.). Access to a high quality uniform lifestyle was passports. work, architecture, leisure). There was no access to foreign currency, or and belonging- There was an unnatural restriction referring to one's idea of space (citizens prison like limitation, claustrophobia for citizens. Futility of innovations, sometimes not even shown in the light of never taken seriously by decision makers, established order derogatory remarks, often referred to as enemies of the historically the fear of which they disrupted); fear of difference, otherness, the alien (above all, being viewed as different. Benefits: path-even Family values; support were evident; sense of security, (clear professional the if not entirely satisfactory. The government always gave a clear answer to question about the future as opposed to the constant insecurity of unemployment, the late 80's by social and professional relations and career adjustments introduced in capitalism); stability literacy and education. which have kept 2. Which elements have been the forces since independence Poland moving towards a stable democratic tradition and consumer economy? separatist One major element is that poles are one nation without any considerable people to stay minorities, (as opposed to Czechs, and or Slovaks). This helped Polish infamous united as a nation, although very divided politically. This seems to be the divided Polish tradition: We are strongly united when directly oppressed, but very capitalist when free. Other elements include the proximity of Germany; pre-WWII 8 intellectual tradition; very fresh memories of dependence on the Soviet Bloc; strong the connections with democratic countries, such as Germany, France, England, and United States. Union, for 3. What are the anticipated benefits of membership in the European Poland? for the younger In the first place I would say the benefits could be discernable by and generations(s) only (or primarily). Young people want to have free to a wider job market, better pay, lesser distinction between the image of the inferior pole as opposed to the superior German, French, or simply European. In a way, it's also an driven by pure selfishness. The urge to be part of a strong group, to a large extent fought with Communists for crown of the Polish eagle (symbol for which poles independence) can be an acceptable price for a faster fancier car, larger house, and canned food. "The crown gave us more headaches than any material satisfaction". 4. How does life in the last ten years in) Poland compare to life in the ten years prior to the end of Communism there? On an everyday basis we finally had free food; access to various goods without ant ration cards (the communist party had been promising this for long years, but free market was the key to the improvement). Suddenly you had official access to foreign became slogans, but also reality currency, a passport. Freedom of speech and plurality after long years of struggle. Socially conditions have deteriorated because of rampant materialism and drive to has become the career. People's lifestyles have changed too. Distant commuting how much one can do to norm. It's no longer how much the state can guarantee, but get what one needs- a new mode of thinking. Advertisements have become a new element to the Polish citizen's reality. The national currency has become an important point of economic reference. Debit cards have made the lives of poles more plastic. Suddenly western products turned out to be as disappointing in terms of quality as Polish goods. In a way Polish products gained their national value. Political, Social Economic Choice: Political: plurality, but also questionable political culture; free elections as opposed to mandatory "democratic" elections in the past; hopefully increasing the dissemination of democracy. Social: new modes of relations and new norms; more materialistic than before, (caused by the knowledge that you can achieve something comparable to the rest of the world, which was not the case before) Economic: free market, free exchange of goods and services. There dissatisfaction are an infinite number of goods, but very limited monetary sources; emerged among the people due to the low standard of living, which many were experiencing. Relatively high unemployment, and an unclear set of policies regulating the new economy made matters challenging for citizens. Job Opportunities: Job opportunities are definitely better for young people, much worse for older people. Above all the 9 to 5 lifestyle stopped being a norm; young ;11 9 people often get their workers rights abused by large companies which constantly need fresh blood, (never ending training, brainwashing). Unemployment Rate: Nowadays statistics show unemployment. In the old days unemployment was a taboo word. In the past unemployment was not about people having jobs, but people being inefficient at work in an inefficient system. Why care about one's work if everyone was to receive the same pay? The past brought about unrealistic "Five Year Plans", whereas now we are going through the surrealism of "so-called capitalism"(destitution and disillusionment of masses verses an excessively affluent minority of questionable values). Average Education Level: In the past, the illusion of literacy and good education from very was present; whereas now things are more open. There is a wide spectrum educated to sewage level self-expression flowing from illiterate sources. Crime Rate: Hiding crimes were the way of the past. (Like an overprotective mother creating an illusion that there is nothing wrong outside, that everything is fine, always of the Polish streets; sunny and warm). Versus the sudden shock of Americanization all of a sudden Inspector Kojak becomes a reality, even the sirens and uniforms used by our police are American. Government Style: A clear transition from an easily defined enemy, (in the form of the Communist Party) to an invisible power ruling our political and economic reality. There is a relatively base political culture with few exceptions. There exists sense mistrust by the people brought on by years of rampant corruption in the government. The extent to which the government is full of integrity to today is unknown. 5. What have been the major challenges socially, economically politically which Poland, (it's citizens) have faced since it gained its independence from the Soviets? Socially: There has been a very slow attempt to create a middle class, or simply a distinct but large class in society; new social relations; open crimes, corruption, keep oriented up with the Joneses type of behavior. Materialism, new lifestyles; Family values have disappeared; and or are in serious danger of eroding entirely. Economically: Belief in welfare and better life as opposed to stress, and disillusionment as a result of the new economic system. Strong currency but difficult to access. There are unequal opportunities on the job market, high dependence on community and its laws. In some cases there is a sense of economic failure as opposed to growth and prosperity. Politically: The democratic system is still shaping. The people have figured out that they have some power to decide bout their local affairs; those who were leaders against the Soviets did not turn out to be any more credible than the party itself. A really challenging point was raising political awareness among the people, and 0