December 14th: Roald Amundsen Conquered The South Pole

What Occurred On December 14th?

December 14, 1911 is commemorated as a legendary day in the annals of exploration with Roald Amundsen’s achievement of reaching the geographic South Pole. Norwegian explorer, Amundsen successfully expedited to the southernmost point on Earth, a testament to his meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and remarkable navigation skills. Accomplishing such an astonishing feat labeled Amundsen as one of the greatest polar explorers ever.

At the turn of the 20th century, the race to reach the South Pole was an intense competition among explorers from various nations. Roald Amundsen, a seasoned Norwegian explorer, was determined to be the first to claim this elusive prize. His meticulous planning and adaptability set him apart in a field that included other notable figures like British explorer Robert Falcon Scott.

Amundsen’s strategic approach to the South Pole expedition was characterized by careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of polar survival. He selected a route through the Ross Ice Shelf, starting from the Bay of Whales, and utilized a team of sled dogs, which proved to be a crucial advantage over Scott’s reliance on horses.

After months of challenging conditions, treacherous terrain, and extreme weather, Amundsen and his team neared the South Pole. On December 14, 1911, they reached their destination, planting the Norwegian flag and claiming the geographic South Pole for Norway. Amundsen’s success was not only a personal triumph but also a national achievement that brought pride to Norway.

While Roald Amundsen celebrated his historic achievement, tragedy struck the competing British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott. Scott and his team, who had also been racing to reach the South Pole, arrived a month later in January 1912, only to find that Amundsen had beaten them to their goal. Tragically, Scott’s team perished on the return journey due to a combination of exhaustion, frostbite, and harsh conditions.

If Amundsen Could Use Social Media Today, What Would His Posts Look Like?

On this day, we celebrate Roald Amundsen’s incredible accomplishments as well as recognize Robert Falcon Scott and his team for their efforts. If Amundsen posted on Instagram after accomplishing this feat, what do you think he would post and how do you think he would he caption it?

Comment below!

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in Journalism

Dr. Silvia Kimberly Crawford has expanded her skills as a writer and as an analyst. Graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2014, she has earned her MA in journalism. Working in copywriting after college, she has gained lots of different experience within the writing realm. With a strong passion for sports, she has worked as a content creator for the NWSL.

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