In the early 20's with the advent of the Republican administration's so-called spirit of cooperation governing relations between unions and the government after 1908, was replaced by openly anti-working class policies implemented by the administration Harding. The newly intensified offensive monopolies pas workers' rights organizations. Unfolded with new force the campaign to "open shop", the anti-communist hysteria of the negative effect on the state of the union movement. Inability to achieve these goals through economic struggle has forced the American trade unions to embark on more independent and active political action. Many trade unions, which were part of the American Federation of Labor, as well as full-time Federation of Labor adopted in 1922 - 1924 years, participate in an independent political movement.
During the crisis, 1929 - 1933 years almost 50% reduction in industrial production, has reached unprecedented scale unemployment. According to official figures, unemployment in 1933 was 13 million people, according to the union - 18 million. Objectively, as a result of the crisis on the agenda
before the workers' movement was a problem that cannot be solved at the negotiating table, by strikes, as part of a trade union, moreover, are united by skilled workers, While the majority of the proletariat was low-skilled and unskilled workers. Issues such as the unprecedented rise in unemployment, the impoverishment of workers, wearing national character, and affect the whole American proletariat, and demanded the attention of national. However, the American Federation of Labor, is not prepared to solve the problems, was at a loss and did not offer workers a way out of this situation. American Federation of Labor was unable to lead the struggle of the working class to overcome the crisis, which is the most heavily affected by their situation.
The trade union movement during the crisis was in decline, the working class was demoralized. The masses of unskilled and semi-skilled workers are not united in unions, and particularly acute experienced the impact of the crisis, without having to fight against monopolies such weapons even as the union had to resort to active political action in the movements of social protest Headed in 1929 - 1933 years. And the Communist Party USA.