In December 1981, significant political events unfolded in Poland as the government declared martial law on December 13. This decision aimed to suppress the growing influence of the Solidarity movement, a trade union led by Lech Wałęsa that advocated for workers' rights and political reform. The imposition of martial law resulted in widespread arrests and restrictions on civil liberties. Meanwhile, in the United States, December 1981 saw the continuation of economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment rates. The Federal Reserve, led by Chairman Paul Volcker, was implementing policies to combat inflation, which had reached alarming levels, affecting the daily lives of many Americans.