-
History
In the early 1950s, nearly all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life were subject to decisions of just one party - the Polish United Workers’ Party. A planned and state-controlled economy was introduced, with the Six-Year Plan (1950-1955) envisaged to be its most spectacular success. However, It was implemented, at the expense of the population as it undermined living conditions. Since 1953, the standard of living had been gradually falling following wage reductions, higher work quotas, denied bonuses, reversed benefits, etc. Working conditions deteriorated and there were also shortages of food and popular consumer goods.
