Norwegian Explorer Amundsen Triumphs in Historic South Pole Race

UPDATE: On December 14, 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen made history by becoming the first person to reach the geographic South Pole. This monumental achievement came amid a fierce competition with British captain Robert Falcon Scott, who tragically perished shortly after.

The race to the South Pole began in 1910, igniting a rivalry between Amundsen and Scott. Both men aimed to conquer the last unexplored continent on Earth. While Scott had previously attempted the expedition in 1902 but turned back due to health issues, Amundsen kept his plans secret before announcing his intentions to Scott in a telegram that read, “Beg leave to inform you Fram proceeding Antarctic. Amundsen.”

Amundsen departed from Norway on August 9, 1910, aboard the Fram, establishing a base at Framheim on the Ross Ice Shelf, a crucial 60 miles (100 kilometers) closer to the pole than Scott’s base at McMurdo Sound. With a team of four and 13 dogs, Amundsen set out for the pole on October 21.

At precisely 3 p.m. local time on December 14, Amundsen shouted, “Halt!” marking the moment his team believed they had reached the South Pole. They celebrated by erecting a tent and planting the Norwegian flag.

Scott’s arrival came 35 days later, only to find Amundsen’s tent and flag. Tragically, he and his crew would succumb to starvation, dehydration, and the brutal Antarctic cold on their return journey. In his last journal entry on March 29, 1912, Scott expressed despair: “We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker.”

The stark contrast in outcomes raises questions about why Amundsen’s crew succeeded while Scott’s did not. Amundsen opted for a shorter route over the Axel Glacier and dressed his team in traditional Inuit gear, enhancing their chances against the elements. In a brutal strategy, Amundsen even planned to consume the sled dogs and raw penguin meat to sustain his team’s energy, a decision that proved vital in their survival.

New analyses suggest that Scott’s expedition faced unprecedented weather challenges, compounded by potential failings within his crew. A 2017 article in the journal Polar Record highlighted that crew member Edward Evans might have taken more than his share of food, leading to critical shortages.

Today, the South Pole is home to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. The legacy of these explorers continues to captivate, serving as a poignant reminder of human ambition and the perilous nature of exploration.

The historical significance of this event resonates even now, showcasing both the triumphs and tragedies of human endeavor. As we reflect on this monumental achievement, the stories of Amundsen and Scott remind us of the thin line between success and failure in the most extreme conditions.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the legacies of these explorers and their impact on modern science and exploration.