1929 Global depression hits the auto industry and its unions hard. Detroit is the most affected American city. Hitler is appointed Chancellor. Nazis outlaw all trade unions and persecute, imprison and kill union activists. Future UAW president Walter Reuther, traveling in Berlin, helps a young trade unionist escape Nazi storm troopers the day after Hitler's election victory.
Strikes break out around Detroit, with few wins for workers.
1936 UAW workers surprise General Motors with the Flint sit-down strike, where the major issue is union recognition. In a labor milestone, GM negotiates with the UAW, and the strike is settled after 44 days. Walter Reuther is fired from Ford for union activities at the Rouge plant. The war ends, and trade unions reemerge in Germany. Allies encourage works councils to help restore peacetime production.