ABSTRACT
The establishment, in July 1944, of the nucleus of the new Socialist republic on territories liberated by the Soviet army from Nazi occupation opened a new chapter in the history of Poland. The establishment of the postwar Polish People's Republic had its origins in the complex historical situation of the last year of World War II. In February 1956, the 20th Congress of the Soviet Communist party put the issue of Stalinist abuses in a new light. Changes in the composition of the party leadership removed some of the most unpopular Stalinists and brought in younger leaders, but the overall pattern was to preserve as much continuity as possible. The role of the military during the December crisis set the tone for its functioning throughout the 1970s. Meeting with selected members of the Political Bureau, Gomulka ordered the use of military force to restore order.
