The International Meridian Conference held in Washington, D.C., brought together delegates from 25 nations to address the need for a standardized system of timekeeping and navigation. The rapid growth of trade, transportation, and communication during the 19th century had highlighted the challenges posed by disparate local time systems. As a result, the need for a globally recognized reference point became essential. Following lengthy discussions, delegates settled on the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, as the location for the prime meridian, the 0 degrees longitude line from which all other longitudes would be measured.

The selection of Greenwich was logical given its historical role in navigation and astronomy. It was an established center for maritime navigation since the time of the British Empire's expansion. The conference decided that the prime meridian would coincide with the observatory’s location, making it a central point for worldwide navigational charts. This marked a significant shift in how the world measured time and space, helping to coordinate ship schedules, improve maritime safety, and facilitate international travel.

The conference also established a recommendations for the creation of a universal time based on the prime meridian, laying the groundwork for the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) system. This new system would greatly influence railway timetables, travel, and commerce, promoting synchronization across different regions and countries. The decision reached at the conference would pave the way for the adoption of standardized time zones and enhance international cooperation.