GDANSK, Poland — The struggle for freedom against tyranny in Poland in 1989 was defined by a single word: solidarity.

Workers and union leaders, teachers and students, church leaders and intellectuals united in a common cause that inspired the world, helped lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union, and set the nation on a course toward democracy.

On Tuesday, Poland marks three decades since its first elections after Communism. But that anniversary is best defined by another word: division.

Today Poland is split between supporters of the nationalist, autocratic model of the ruling party, and those favoring the ideals of liberal democracy embodied in the European Union. Elections later this year could decide which path the country pursues.