The 1941 Atlantic Charter led colonized countries to believe that they would soon have their independence. This charter, agreed upon by the United States and the United Kingdom during World War II, outlined the goals of the war and emphasized the right to self-determination for all peoples. This declaration sparked hope among colonized nations that they would eventually gain independence from their colonial rulers. The principles of the Atlantic Charter laid the groundwork for decolonization movements that would unfold in the years following the end of World War II. It inspired many colonies to strive for freedom and independence from colonial powers, shaping the course of history towards the decolonization process that took place in the mid-20th century.