Captain Scott Reaches the South Pole
January 17th, 1912
January 17th, 1912
How Long Ago?
113 years, 1 month, 26 days ago
Location
South Pole, Antarctica
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Roald Amundsen
- Robert Falcon Scott
Links & References
Tags
Captain Scott Reaches the South Pole
Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his party reached the South Pole, arriving nearly a month after Roald Amundsen. The British expedition aimed to achieve the first successful journey to the pole, but upon arrival, found Amundsen's flag marking the historic achievement. Scott and his men faced arduous conditions and would soon encounter the harsh realities of the Antarctic as they turned back towards their base camp.
Scott faced harsh Antarctic conditions.
Amundsen reached the pole first in December.
Journey was part of the Terra Nova Expedition.
Scott's team struggled to return safely.
What Happened?
The journey to the South Pole was a grueling and treacherous one for Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his company. Determined to be the first to reach the pole and claim it for the British Empire, they faced extreme weather and challenging terrain. Scott's expedition, officially known as the Terra Nova Expedition, set out from New Zealand in 1910. After enduring a long and harrowing journey, Scott and his men finally arrived at the pole on January 17, 1912. However, they were bitterly disappointed to find the Norwegian flag of Roald Amundsen, who had reached the pole nearly a month earlier on December 14, 1911.
This moment was pivotal, as it showcased the intense rivalry between explorers of the era and highlighted the pride of national achievement in the race for polar exploration. While Scott's team had achieved what they set out to do, the dread of being second overshadowed their success. As they began their return journey, the conditions deteriorated, and they faced numerous challenges, including dwindling supplies and extreme cold, which ultimately led to their tragic demise.
Why Does it Matter?
The arrival of Scott at the South Pole is significant as it marks the fierce competition and national pride involved in early 20th-century polar exploration. This rivalry ignited public interest in exploration and science, leading to advances in both fields. Scott's legacy, despite his tragic end, is remembered for persistence and the spirit of adventure.
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