VII. The Contemporary Period, 1945–2000 > B. Europe, 1945–2000 > 7. Eastern Europe, 1945–2000 > a. Poland > 1970, Dec. 7
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1970, Dec. 7
 
Signature of the TREATY WITH THE GERMAN FEDERAL REPUBLIC, by which the latter at least provisionally recognized the Oder-Neisse line as Poland's western frontier and the Polish government assented to the repatriation of Germans still living in the area east of that line.  1
 
Dec. 14
 
Outbreak of serious RIOTS IN GDANSK AND OTHER PORT CITIES, resulting from food shortages and increased prices on food and other commodities. Police and troops were able to quell the disturbances only with difficulty and with considerable loss of life.  2
 
Dec. 20
 
With their regime badly shaken by the riots, Gomulka and other members of the Politburo were obliged to resign. Edward Gierek, chief of the party in Upper Silesia, succeeded to Gomulka's offices.  3
 
Dec. 23
 
President Spychalski and Prime Minister Cyrankiewicz also resigned. Cyrankiewicz then became the new president and Piotr Jaroszewicz became the new prime minister; they formed a cabinet that same day. The new government immediately announced a price freeze on food for at least two years, minimum wage increases, family allowance and pension increases, and credit increases for peasants and small businesses.  4
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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