With the launching of the policy of national dialogue by the Belisario Betancur government in 1984, various underground left-wing groups began exploring the possibility of building up legal movements.
emerged from a long process of discussions and cooperation between three groups within the Colombian leftwing: ELN, Workers Revolutionary Party (PRT), and the Revolutionary Integration Movement - Free Fatherland (MIR-Patria Libre).
was founded at a Workers, Peasants, People's Meeting, held as a commemoration of José Antonio Galán on March 16–March 17, 1985.
mobilized a national civic strike on June 20 against the policies of the Betancur government regarding economic liberalizations and peace negotiations.
His successor, Virgilio Barco, was characterized by the movement as serving the interests of the United States and big capital.