It happened on this day - 14th Jan in 1943

On this day, 14th January in 1943, Franklin D Roosevelt became the first American President to fly abroad by airplane to meet another world leader, as he travelled from Miami to Morocco to mett up with British leader Winston Churchill.

The meeting between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt in Morocco on January 14, 1943, was a pivotal moment in World War II, known as the Casablanca Conference. Held at the Anfa Hotel in Casablanca, the conference brought together Allied leaders to discuss the next phase of the war effort. The event marked a turning point in the coordination and strategy of the Allied powers. Notably absent was Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, who declined to attend due to the ongoing Battle of Stalingrad.

One of the most significant outcomes of the Casablanca Conference was the declaration of the Allies’ policy of unconditional surrender for Axis powers (Germany, Italy & Japan). This stance underscored their commitment to total victory and set the tone for the remainder of the war. The leaders also focused on planning the invasion of Sicily and Italy, intending to weaken Axis defenses in Southern Europe. Furthermore, they discussed bolstering the war effort in the Pacific and increasing pressure on Japan. The conference also saw discussions on the post-war world order, with a focus on the reconstruction of Europe and the establishment of a framework for peace.