Norwegian Explorer Amundsen Reaches South Pole First, Dec. 14, 1911

BREAKING NEWS: On December 14, 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen achieved a monumental feat by becoming the first human to reach the geographic South Pole. This historic accomplishment marks a significant moment in exploration history, overshadowed by the tragic fate of his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott, who would perish just weeks later.

The fierce race to the South Pole began in 1910, igniting a battle of endurance and survival between Amundsen and Scott. Each explorer aimed to conquer the last unexplored continent on Earth. By the time Amundsen set sail from Norway on August 9, 1910, he had already kept his plans secret from everyone except three crew members, leading to a critical advantage.

Upon arriving at the Bay of Whales, Amundsen established his base camp, Framheim, a crucial 60 miles (100 kilometers) closer to the South Pole than Scott’s camp at McMurdo Sound. Early preparations allowed Amundsen to split his team effectively, with one group heading directly to the Pole and another exploring different regions.

On December 14, at 3 p.m. local time, Amundsen and his crew members, including Olav Bjaaland and Oscar Wisting, shouted “Halt!” upon believing they had reached their destination. They planted the Norwegian flag, marking a triumphant moment for Amundsen and his crew.

Meanwhile, Scott’s team arrived 35 days later only to discover Amundsen’s tent and flag. Tragically, Scott and his crew would not survive the return journey due to starvation, dehydration, and exposure to extreme cold. In his final journal entry on March 29, 1912, Scott poignantly wrote, “I do not think we can hope for any better things now…”

The differences in preparation and strategy likely contributed to Amundsen’s success. He utilized a shorter route and outfitted his team with traditional Inuit clothing, while Scott’s men wore wool, which was less effective against the brutal Antarctic conditions. Amundsen also efficiently managed supplies and made the controversial decision to eat sled dogs during the journey, ensuring that his crew could sustain themselves against the odds.

Recent analyses suggest that Scott’s expedition faced not only harsh weather conditions but also potential issues of mismanagement within his crew. A 2017 study in the journal Polar Record highlighted that crew member Edward Evans may have contributed to the failure by hoarding supplies, leading to critical shortages at key points.

As the world reflects on this historic race, the South Pole today serves as a hub for scientific research, housing the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and other observatories. The legacies of both explorers continue to spark interest in human endurance and the extremes of exploration.

The remarkable narrative of this race reminds us of both the triumphs and tragedies of exploration. Share this story to honor the incredible feats of those who ventured into the unknown!