Antarctica history in Brief

History in photos

Antarctica's
most heroic story

Shackleton's Endurance

History in brief:

1909
The British explorer Ernest Shackleton came close to being the first human to reach the South Pole, but was forced back when supplies ran perilously low.
Two years later
Another explorer accomplished the feat, so Shackleton fashioned a new goal: To be the first to cross the Antarctica Continent. In 1915 he sailed into the Wendell Sea to begin the trek.
Unfortunately
Shackelton's Endurance ship became trapped in ice and was slowly crushed. The Endurance began listing (see photo) and eventually sank, leaving the Shackelton team shipless in the middle of nowhere. Miraculously, he was able to lead his men safely back to civilization on a long journey over perilous ice and open seas.

Another famous
Antarctica story

Race to the South Pole

History in brief:

Amundsen and Scott
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and British explorer Robert Falcon Scott were avid rivals in the quest to become the first human to reach the South Pole.
The winner
Amundsen and his team won bragging rights in 1911. He returned home to widespread acclaim.
Misfortune
Although Scott also reached the South Pole, he found a Norwegian flag, which meant Amundsen beat him. Scott's luck worsened on the way back. He and his men ran out of essential provisions and died.

Antarctica history in brief - Page 2

Antarctica's origin

Historical firsts

CLIA

IAAT0

sponsored ad 

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications