The United Auto Workers (UAW) was officially formed in 1935 amidst a climate of unrest and growing demands for labor rights in the automotive industry. As auto manufacturing surged in the United States, workers faced several challenges, including long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. The AFL, a longstanding body that represented various unions, had been criticized for not adequately supporting the unique needs of industrial workers, particularly those in the automobile sector.

On April 27, 1936, during a critical assembly, the UAW gained its autonomy from the AFL, enabling it to operate independently and tailor its efforts to advocate specifically for auto workers. This independence was not merely symbolic; it signaled the UAW's intent to forge a distinct path in union representation and labor rights activism. Leaders within the UAW, such as Walter Reuther, were instrumental in re-defining strategies, focusing on aggressive organizing campaigns and establishing a strong political presence. This reorganization reflected the broader social movements of the time that sought to empower workers and advocate for substantial changes in labor law and policies.

In the wake of gaining autonomy, the UAW set out to consolidate its membership and strengthen its influence over major automotive manufacturers. The union's growth soon led to significant achievements, including striking deals for better labor contracts and initiating the collective bargaining process. This pivotal shift in the labor movement had lasting repercussions, not only for the auto industry but for labor organizations across America, influencing many sectors and leading to a broader push for labor rights during the New Deal era.