The Atlantic Charter, a pivotal statement issued in August 1941, defined the Allied goals for the post-World War II world. Crafted during a secret meeting between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill aboard a ship off the coast of Newfoundland, it outlined a vision of international cooperation and self-determination. Its principles included no territorial aggrandizement, self-determination for all peoples, freedom of the seas, and a commitment to improving global economic and social conditions.
The document’s significance lies in its laying the groundwork for the United Nations and the postwar international order. It provided a moral framework for the Allied war effort, contrasting sharply with the expansionist and aggressive aims of the Axis powers. Furthermore, it indirectly supported decolonization by promoting the right of self-determination, which resonated with independence movements around the world. The principles influenced political discourse, diplomatic negotiations, and the shaping of international institutions following the war.
