The All India Forward Bloc was launched by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939 as a response to the growing dissatisfaction with the Indian National Congress's strategies and policies under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The formation took place during a time of significant political tension in India, marked by the looming threat of World War II and the complexities of colonial governance. Bose, an influential leader with strong nationalist sentiments, sought to create a more radical and inclusive platform that would engage a diverse range of political groups and individuals committed to the cause of Indian independence.

The Forward Bloc aimed to unite various factions within the Indian struggle for freedom, focusing especially on the youth and labor forces. By advocating for a more assertive approach to achieving self-rule, Bose positioned the Bloc as a platform for revolutionary action and mobilization. The initial activities of the Bloc included organizing protests, engaging in political discussions, and rallying support across the nation to create a stronger front against British imperialism.

As the Bloc's influence grew, it began to attract individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds and ideologies, including leftist groups and those who felt marginalized by the mainstream Congress politics. This coalition-building approach under Bose’s leadership marked a pivotal shift in Indian nationalism during the late 1930s. Despite the eventual decline in its prominence following Bose's departure from India in 1941, the Forward Bloc's efforts contributed to a more radical discourse around the independence movement, paving the way for future revolutionary activities and ideologies in the country.