The Race to the South Pole

Page 1 of 6

• 1. Early attempts on the Pole
• 2. Preparations
• 3. Setting up camp
• 4. The race is on
• 5. The race is on
• 6. Find out more
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Early attempts on the Pole

By the late 19th century, Antarctica was the last unexplored continent on earth. Unknown whale and seal hunters were probably the first human beings to set foot on the continent, looking for commercial opportunities. Rich Western nations eventually began to take an interest in this inhospitable terrain, with Britain, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Norway, France and Belgium all planning expeditions to Antarctica in the early years of the 20th century. They would compete against each other in its discovery, to gain knowledge and claim new territory. The geographical prize was the South Pole - the most remote spot on earth.

'The geographical prize was the South Pole - the most remote spot on earth...'

Captain Robert Falcon Scott had already been to Antarctica prior to his ill-fated Terra Nova expedition (1910-13). He commanded the Government-funded Discovery expedition (1901-4), which undertook significant scientific work. It was also the first British expedition to make an attempt to reach the Pole. The three-man polar party comprising Scott, his friend Dr Edward Wilson and the young Ernest Shackleton, reached within 660km (410 miles) of the Pole, setting a new 'furthest south' record. Scott returned a hero.

Differences with Scott spurred Shackleton to mount his own expedition in Nimrod (1907-9). Although he carried out a scientific programme, his avowed aim was to be the first man to reach the South Pole. His privately funded expedition nearly reached its goal when, on 9 January 1909, Shackleton planted the Union flag within 160km (100 miles) of the Pole. To push on to the Pole would have meant certain death and the four men were lucky to return alive.

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Published: 2002-08-01