The Corfu Declaration represented a pivotal moment in the South Slavic nationalist movement during World War I. It was signed on July 20, 1917, by representatives of the Yugoslav Committee, an organization formed to advocate for the interests of South Slavs, particularly those under Austro-Hungarian rule. The declaration sought to unify the South Slavic peoples, promoting the idea of a single state that would incorporate regions inhabited by Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. The location of the signing on the island of Corfu was not incidental; it served as a meeting point for exiled leaders and representatives from various regions affected by the war. The declaration enumerated essential principles regarding governance, including democratic representation and national equality, which were crucial for gaining support from various ethnic groups. It reflected the growing discontent with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its restrictive policies, thereby encouraging South Slavic unity. The agreement gained much attention among the Allied Powers, as it aligned with their interests in breaking up the Austro-Hungarian Empire, thereby weakening their enemy during the war. Notably, the Corfu Declaration laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which was declared in 1918. The vision described in the declaration materialized into a new state, effectively reshaping the political landscape of Southeast Europe. This development caused significant shifts in national identities and relations among ethnic groups in the post-war period.