Final answer:
The Solidarity movement in Poland started in 1980, growing to significant strength and challenging Soviet-influenced government control. Despite governmental suppression attempts, including martial law, Solidarity's influence persisted and played a pivotal role in establishing the first non-Communist government in Eastern Europe, contributing to the end of Soviet control in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protest against the Soviets in Poland began significantly in 1980 with the formation of the Solidarity union. Led by Lech Wałęsa, Polish shipyard workers initiated a strike to protest government policies. The movement quickly grew, and within a year, around one-third of Poland's population had joined Solidarity. Despite the Polish government's efforts to suppress the movement, including declaring martial law and imprisoning many of its leaders, Solidarity persisted, and by the late 1980s, it was evident that the Communist Party's control was weakening.
Eventually, the government was forced to negotiate with Solidarity, leading to semi-free elections in 1989. These elections resulted in a landslide victory for Solidarity and other non-Communist groups, marking the first non-Communist government in Eastern Europe since the start of the Cold War. The Solidarity movement was a critical catalyst for the fall of the Soviet Union and the spread of democracy and capitalism in Eastern Europe.