Gomu?ka, W?adys?aw

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Gomułka, Władysław (1905–82) Polish statesman, president (1956–70). In World War II, he was secretary-general of the outlawed Polish Communist Party. Gomułka served as vice president (1945–48) in the first post-war government, but was dismissed and imprisoned (1951–54) for his criticism of Stalinism. In 1956, popular uprisings led to Gomułka heading a more liberal regime. As the economy declined, his rule became more oppressive and he resigned after sharp rises in food prices.

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