During the Crisis of 1980-19E

Despite the complexity of the Polish August, political idealism stands out as the most pervasive and presslng influence on Polish society during that period. Moreover, the Polish crisis fits a pattern in Polish history which has been dominant since the 18th century. Ever since the partitions, the Poles have had to make certain assumptions about their political dilemma. The focal point of the political debate in poland has centred on combating foreign oppression. Therefore, the great divide ln Polish political thought has characteristically been between two opposing schools of thought. On the one side, the political idealists, or the "romantics", as the Poles call them. On the other side, the political realists, or the "positivists". This division cuts throug