What was the primary reason for the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1935?

The formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1935 was primarily driven by the need to improve labor conditions and rights for industrial workers, particularly in mass production industries. During this time, traditional craft unions were not effectively addressing the needs of the unskilled and semi-skilled workers in factories. The CIO sought to organize these workers into inclusive, industrial unions that would provide better representation and bargaining power.

By focusing on uniting workers across various trades within mass production sectors—such as automotive, steel, and textiles—the CIO aimed to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. This marked a significant shift towards recognizing the importance of collective bargaining in improving labor standards, setting a foundation for future labor movements in the United States.

The other choices do not reflect the primary goals of the CIO at its inception. Promoting farm workers or advocating specifically for plumbers and representing doctors were not central to the organization's mission during the time when it was established. The CIO's focus remained firmly on industrial labor, thereby facilitating a collective effort to address the challenges facing workers in these crucial industries.