Rual Amundsen: what did he discover and when?

Amundsen is one of Norway's most famous sailors. From childhood, his hobby was reading books about traveling to distant countries. As a child, he read almost all the publications about travels around the Arctic Circle, which he managed to get. Secretly from his mother, Amundsen began early in the early years to prepare for expeditions: he tempered, did physical exercises, and also played football, believing that this game helps to strengthen the muscles of the legs.

Youth of the great polar explorer

When Amundsen entered the medical faculty in Oslo, most of the time he devoted himself to learning foreign languages, being sure that their knowledge is necessary for travel. What Rual Amundsen discovered in geography is largely due to his long-standing preparation throughout his youth.

In 1897-1899 the young Amundsen took part in the Antarctic expedition of Belgian polar explorers. In one command with him was the famous traveler Frederick Cook, who in 10 years will fight in the struggle for the right to be the discoverer of the North Pole with Robert Peary.

Outstanding polar explorers: the struggle for primacy

The North Pole also became the goal set by Rual Amundsen. What did he discover in the future, if other travelers were already fighting for him at the outermost point of the planet? Officially for a long time it was believed that the first April 6, 1909, reached the North Pole, Robert Peary. Frederick Cook claimed that he had been here on April 21, 1908. Since the evidence submitted by Cook, raised doubts, then decided to give the palm tree Piri. But his achievements were also in doubt.

The fact is that the equipment of that time has not yet reached the level of development at which it would be possible to boldly affirm the truth of the perfect discovery. The next person who tried to conquer the inexorable North Pole was Fridtjof Nansen. But he could not reach his goal, and he took over the baton from Rual Amundsen. What he discovered and when, forever remained in the history of geographical research. But the main discovery of Amundsen was preceded by many tests. After the death of his mother, Amundsen decided to become navigator of long voyages. However, in order to successfully pass the exams, it was necessary to work out at least three years as a sailor on a schooner.

Rual Amundsen: what he discovered before becoming a great seafarer

The future polar explorer goes to the shores of Spitsbergen on an industrial vessel. Then he goes to another ship and goes to the Canadian coast. Before becoming a great traveler, Amundsen serves as a sailor on several ships and visits many countries: Spain, Mexico, England and America.

In 1896, Amundsen passed the exams and received a diploma, which made him navigator of long voyages. After receiving the diploma, Antarctica finally becomes the place where Rual Amundsen goes. What did he discover during his first trip? Only the fact that in Antarctica the main goal is to stay alive. Expedition, which was intended for the study of terrestrial magnetism, almost became the last for the entire crew. Strongest blizzards, scorching frost and a long hungry winter - all this almost killed the team. They were saved only thanks to the energy of a brave traveler, who constantly hunted seals to feed a starving crew.

Change of goals

Rual Amundsen: what did he discover and what is his role in modern geographical knowledge? In 1909, when Cook and Piri officially announced their rights to open the North Pole, Amundsen decided to radically change his task. After all, in this race he could only be the second, if not the third. Therefore, the polar explorer decided to conquer another goal - the South Pole. However, even here there were those who wanted to achieve this goal more quickly.

English expedition Scott

In 1901 Britain organized an expedition led by officer Robert Scott. He did not regard geographic discoveries as a matter of his entire life, but went to the preparation for a severe journey with all responsibility. Roald Amundsen, Robert Scott: what did the polar explorers discover in their travels, did they do it together? Rather, it was a desperate competition for the right to reach the South Pole first. In June 1910, Scott began an expedition to Antarctica. He knew that he had a competitor, but did not attach much importance to the expedition of Amundsen, considering him inexperienced. But the main discovery of the South Pole in 1910-1912 belonged to the Norwegian.

Rual Amundsen: what did he discover? The summary of the expedition to the South Pole

The main bet Scott made on the use of technology - snowmobile. Amundsen, however, using the experience of the Norwegians, took with him a large team of dogs for sledding. In addition, the Amundsen team consisted of fine skiers, and Scott's crew members did not pay proper attention to ski training.

On February 4, Scott's team, when they reached Whale Bay, suddenly saw their competitors. The British, although they lost their fighting spirit, decided to continue the journey. In addition, that the team was shocked by the appearance of the Amundsen expedition, insufficient preparation also played a role. Their horses began to die, because they could not acclimatize for a long time. Some of the snowmobiles broke. Scott realized that Amundsen's bet on dogs is the most winning decision. Despite the fact that Amundsen also suffered losses, on December 14, 1911 his team reached the South Pole.