Przodujący uczniowie, studenci i robotnicy - zlot młodzieży w Krakowie, lipiec 1973 roku

Abstract

In the first half of the nineteen seventies, there was a noticeable improvement of the standard of living of the Polish society. The ruling elite, headed by Edward Gierek, using callously contracted foreign loans, brought about an increase of consumption of the society. It also took care of the development of foreign tourism. However, it did not give up ideological vigilance, especially with regard to the young generation. The youth movement was consolidated. Spectacular celebrations in the vein of the success propaganda were promoted. The festivities in Kraków, attended by ca. nine thousand participants, became a great spectacle. The first meeting took place at Lenin’s monument under the banner of “Lenin - a biography of those who march incessantly.” Subsequent three days were also filled with solemn celebrations. On July 22nd, a meeting of the convention participants with the party executives was arranged at the Main Market Square, where Edward Gierek, the 1st secretary of the PZPR (Polish Communist Party) party, himself gave a speech. The young people took an oath in which they vowed faithfulness to the socialist motherland and friendship with the Soviet Union. At the same time, the central group formation took place in Kraków, from which a delegation of 800 persons went to attend the youth and student festival in Berlin.