Early Modern & the Imperial Age: Into the Unknown

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Into the Unknown

Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: Regional History or Period History
Forum Name: Early Modern & the Imperial Age
Forum Discription: World History from 1500 to the end of WW1
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=32981
Printed Date: 15-May-2024 at 07:20
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Into the Unknown

Posted By: Centrix Vigilis
Subject: Into the Unknown
Date Posted: 13-Jan-2013 at 15:44

One of the great survival stories of early Antarctic exploration. Sir Douglas Mawson is not as well known as some explorers but his indomitable spirit, courage, loyalty, intellect and scientific kowledge and acumen stands with the best (Both Shackleton and Scott knew him well) .

Read about the exploit that led this Aussie to great fame and endearing affection not only among his countrymen but his peers as well.

CC: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/01/mawson-trek/roberts-text - http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/01/mawson-trek/roberts-text

http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mawson-sir-douglas-7531 - http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mawson-sir-douglas-7531

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"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"

S. T. Friedman

Pilger's law: 'If it's been officially denied, then it's probably true'

Replies:

Posted By: Nick1986
Date Posted: 16-Jan-2013 at 15:06

What motive did the early explorers have for reaching the South Pole? Were they seeking a passage to the Far East, or did the Antarctic have some vital raw material like oil?

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Me Grimlock not nice Dino! Me bash brains!

Posted By: Centrix Vigilis
Date Posted: 16-Jan-2013 at 15:58

The broad based answer Nick...is multi faceted. And was certainly further enhanced viz the age of enlightenment imo.

First and foremost for the expeditionary leaders: personal fame, peer and national-international recognition of skill or field of expertise, fortune and advancement; as had been identified by the examples of their earlier expeditionary predecessors.

Secondly and certainly, ala the post Cook and Darwin expeditions, for the purpose of exploring unknown regions and climates to seek out opportunities for scientific experimentation or discovery.

Thirdly: Nationalistic identification and expansionism through acquisitions of territories and possible development of acquired resources. Which might then further trade and markets, establishment of routes (no matter how seemingly far fetched in the vicinity of those latitudes) and economic power.

Those have been the motivations that I have identified that would indicate a norm.

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"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"

S. T. Friedman

Pilger's law: 'If it's been officially denied, then it's probably true'

Posted By: Nick1986
Date Posted: 17-Jan-2013 at 10:21

Sounds similar to the ascent of Everest: because it's there

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Me Grimlock not nice Dino! Me bash brains!

Posted By: Centrix Vigilis
Date Posted: 17-Jan-2013 at 10:25

Indeed.

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"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"

S. T. Friedman

Pilger's law: 'If it's been officially denied, then it's probably true'