The Popular Socialist Youth was established as an initiative to organize young people in Cuba around socialist principles. This group gathered various leftist factions, including communists and socialists, aiming to mobilize youth for social change and address pressing societal issues. The formation of the organization came as several political changes swept through Latin America, invoking ideologies that championed workers' rights and sought to respond to the socio-economic challenges of the period. The group prioritized education, political awareness, and community organization among the youth, aligning with broader global trends of leftist movements post-World War II.

Cuba, undergoing significant transition in the early 1940s, was fertile ground for such movements as economic disparities and social inequalities persisted following the war. The Popular Socialist Youth aimed not only to foster political organization among youth but to create a culture of activism that would resonate through labor movements and other social justice efforts. The emergence of this organization marked a pivotal moment for young socialists in Cuba, as it emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to tackle issues such as unemployment, education access, and political representation.

Over time, the Popular Socialist Youth grew to represent a critical segment of Cuba's political landscape, contributing to debates surrounding national policies and engaging with the broader revolution that transformed the island a decade later. Through various demonstration tactics, public events, and community outreach initiatives, the group aimed to awaken a sense of political consciousness among youth, positioned against both local and colonialist influences. Their work laid the groundwork for future generations to engage with socialist ideals and leftist politics within the context of Cuban society.