Poland's transition from communism was driven by the workers' union Solidarity, led by Lech Walesa, an electrician from the Gdansk shipyards. Over 13 years, Solidarity grew from a local movement to a national force, overcoming martial law, government repression, and Soviet pressure to achieve free elections in 1989. Solidarity’s unexpected landslide victory in parliamentary elections marked the end of communism in Poland, setting a precedent for democratic transitions across Eastern Europe. The movement’s success underscored the power of collective resolve and grassroots activism in challenging authoritarian regimes.