NationStates Jolt Archive

Polar Exploration

Antartic Expeditions

A brief history of Antarctic Exploration up until now:

150AD Ptolemy (Egyptian/Greek) notes the existence of a large Terra Incognita Australis on his collection of maps
1739 Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier (French) discovers Bouvet Island
1771 – 1772 First French Antarctic Expedition led by Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec (French) discovers Kerguelen Islands
1775 James Cook (British) sails HMS Resolution and is the frst person to cross the Antarctic Circle
1819 William Smith (British) discovers South Shetland Islands
1819 - 1821 Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen (Russian) discovers Antarctic mainland
1830 – 1832 Southern Ocean Expedition (British) sights Enderby Land and Adelaide Island
1837 – 1840 Second French Antarctic Expedition led by Jules Dumont d'Urville (French) discovers Adelie Land
1838 - 1839 John Balleny (British) discovers Balleny Islands
1839 - 1843 James Clark Ross (British) discoversthe Ross Ice Shelf, Ross Sea, Mount Erebus, Mount Terror and Victoria Land
1893 - 1895 Henryk Bull (Norwegian/Australian) sets foot on Antarctica at Cape Adare
1897 – 1899 First Belgian Antarctic Expedition, it is poorly equipped and suffers in the harsh climate
1901 – 1904 Discovery Expedition - Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton (British) reach further South and inland than anyone before them
1901 – 1903 First German Antarctic Expedition - led by Erich von Drygalski
1901 – 1904 Swedish Antarctic Expedition – led by Otto Nordenskiöld
1902 – 1904 Scottish National Antarctic Expedition – led by William Speirs Bruce
1903 – 1905 Third French Antarctic Expedition – led by Jean-Baptiste Charcot
1907 - 1909 Nimrod Expedition – Ernest Shackleton reached the South Magnetic Pole
1908 - 1910 Fourth French Antarctic Expedition – led by Jean-Baptiste Charcot

The following expeditions are planned for the next few years:

1910 – 1912 Roald Amundsen (Norwegian)
1910 – 1913 Terra Nova Expedition - Robert Falcon Scott (British)
1911 – 1913 Second German Antarctic Expedition - led by Wilhelm Filchner (German)
1911 – 1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition – led by Douglas Mawson (British)
1914 – 1916 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition – led by Ernest Shackleton (British)
1914 – 1917 Ross Sea Party – led by A.L.A. Mackintosh (British)

Arctic Expeditions



Game Mechanics

I will randomly roll for the results of the already planned expeditions when the time comes, the only ones planned are those listed above.

Nations can send further expeditions at the cost of 0.5 points each, this will result in an expedition of around 20 men being sent of whom half a dozen will go on to try to reach their final objective, geographic pole, magnetic pole or whatever. Such expeditions also require one of two things:

- the use of a support ship at the cost of 0.5 points and sufficient land to be used as a temporary base for the operation, as close to the objective as possible.

or

- a permenent base in one of the habitable areas close to the poles. This will cost one point to set up and a further 0.5 points every year thereafter but will provide a bonus to your expeditions if it is close enough to them.

No more than one expedition may be undertaken every two years for the time being though, apart from the British who can send an additional one from any chosen Imperial dominion as well. For example see the Imperial expeditions, Australian expeditions and even Scottish expedition.

The actual results of a successful expedition are generally prestige for your country though there will be some scientific knowledge gained and some expeditions may find mineral wealth. As of the Nimrod expedition it is known that coal and iron ore exist in Antarctica and that several other resources may well be discovered. The Arctic is already known to have significant gas and oil reserves as well as a large quatity of fish, though neither region is exploitable yet due to technological limitations and lack of an economic need.

[OOC- You will be factoring in the things that caused the successes/failures of these expeditions in real life, correct? Like Scott's failures in dogs and mechanical stuff due to bad planning as well as a much further distance from the Pole than Amudsen's party, the Germans starting late and from a bad area, so on and so forth? Still rolling for random events that could cause disatster to any expedition, like the terrible storm that killed Scott and the iceberg calving that caused the germans to get stuck, but including some kind of seeding system representing historical perperation and missions? Sinxce I assume even if Amundsen reaches the Pole First, Scott (and possibly the Germans) will get more scientific data since theres were a science expedition and not a straight-up get to the pole one like Amudsen's?

I'm just wondering because it's not like Norway is known for much besides arctic explorers. :)]

OOC: I certainly willl. The Scandinavian countries will get seeded highly in their expeditions, the British will be lower (expeditions were of a more scientific nature and were less well prepared on the whole) etc. I will of corse check out any historical efforts that a country has made to factor in events that occured then. In addition a few rolls for random weather conditions will be made. Though at the moment Amundsen is well poised to reach the pole first unless something very catestrophic happens.

Danish Explorer Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen after having established the Thule Trading Station at Cape York. In the speech he commented about the goals of the mission which will be expected to start in 1915.

"This is purely a scientific endeavor we will be studying the geological layout and associated weather patterns on the continent with a view of taking further strides into the depths of the continent. This will by no means be the last Danish foray to the antipodes of the world as further expeditions will be planed and as for the British claim over Antarctica. I think that there certainly could be wiser moves but the politics is left up to the politicians and as long as any expedition, particularily the one being planned is not hammpered by such politics then I don't see any problem. However should the claim be something that the english use as a reason to stop foreign expeditions then Iall I have to say is that I expected much more from them.

Dutch government has taken a similar path as their Danish neighbors. The government has issued the approval of the First Dutch Antarctic Expedition. The only problem is that the Dutch government has to find a suitable man to lead the expedition. The First Dutch Antarctic Expedition has been planned to start at the beginning of December of 1914, but a temporary base shall be build a few weeks before the team arrives.

The Dutch government has good news about the expedition to Antarctica. They have picked a man to lead the group when it's on Antarctica. The man to lead the expedition is Lt. Hendrik Olivier. He has picked a group and has started to make them get ready for the expedition later next year. Also another piece of good news is that the expedition group will also include Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen, as second in command, and his group. The Dutch and Danish government have made a agreement to combine their efforts into the First Dutch/Danish Antarctic Expedition. The two groups will combine and work together for the sake of science. Though this great union between nations is happening, the Second Danish/Dutch Antarctic Expedition will occur during the proposed time for the Danish Expedition. Lt. Hendrik Olivier and his 19 men have moved up to Greenland to work and gain experience with Knud to get ready for the late 1914 Expedition.

A government official makes a statement about the combined Danish/Dutch expeditions coming in the up coming years.

"For a long time the continent of Antarctica has been a continent of mystery and wonder, the harsh climate making it extremely difficult for anyone to construct any permanent base. The Antarctic is a place for international exploration and wonder and that is why with the support of explorer Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen the Danish and Dutch governments have agreed to join our expeditions. The Dutch crew members have been invited up to Greenland to participate in exploration and training in the arctic conditions of Greenland to gain experience and conditioning that will be required for our upcoming assault on Antarctica.

As for the British claim, it will still remain unrecognised by our governments and should their forces attack our un-armed support vessels or exploration personnel then this would be a heinous act that we hope that the British are too civilised and Gentlemanly to even conside such a course of action.
"

The United States informs the world (specifically in the context of upcoming Norwegian and Dutch expeditions) that it is willing to provide funding and military escorts (if needed) toward any non-British expeditions to Antarctica in exchange for Americans being allowed on said expeditions.

The purpose of this declaration is not an antagonistic one or to steal the thunder of other nations who are carrying out valuable research and exploration, but merely to demonstrate Washington's opinion toward the British claim to the most southern continent.

OOC: If you are interested in American help, just let me know.

Working through contacts in Washington, Amundsen (and by default the Norwegian government) informs both Foggy Bottom and the White House that any Americans are more than welcome to come on the Amundsen Expedition and any contribution the United States cares to make (economically or...politically, as it were) is welcomed by Amundsen and his team members and in no way disagreeable to the Norwegian Government.

Lt. Hendrik Olivier, Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen, and their parties leave from Rotterdam in mid-November. The two have spent the last year in Greenland training for the First Dutch/Danish Antarctic Expedition and have made a close bond. One week before they arrived to their starting point (Neumayer) a temporary base was set. On December 12 the men touched down on Antarctic and started their adventure on the frozen wasteland.

Lt. Hendrik Olivier, Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen, and their parties return back from Antarctic as heroes. The expedition was a success and the team arrived back to Rotterdam in Mid-January. Knud Rasmussen is an honored guest in Netherlands along with his party. A party is thrown to commemorate Knud and Hendrik. Both Queen Wilhelmina and Prime Minister Pieter Cort van der Linden are there to see the two explorers. In addition pictures are shown that were taken during the expedition. One includes Lt. Hendrik Olivier and Knud Rasmussen planting down there respected flags into Antarctic.

OOC: And did you clear the success with GB, or did you just decide that you succeeded?

OOC: GB sent me a tg saying that the expedition was a success.

The Canadian Government, aware of the world's growing desire for a reliable survey of the Arctic ice mass to the north, has announced its future intentions towards the formation of a Federal sponsored excursion to the region as well as several long term observation and research facilities along the northern frontier of the Northwest Territories. Of course, with the current state of the treasury in Ottawa and the nation's continuing adjustment from a wartime to a peacetime economy (despite the fact the British Empire never actually entered the war, per se), it is likely such an ambitious porject will be set aside for the next years ahead. However, until then, the Dominion would be delighted to extent their own ordinance and expertise to any American or British expeditions in the future.

The United States informs the world (specifically in the context of upcoming Norwegian and Dutch expeditions) that it is willing to provide funding and military escorts (if needed) toward any non-British expeditions to Antarctica in exchange for Americans being allowed on said expeditions.

The purpose of this declaration is not an antagonistic one or to steal the thunder of other nations who are carrying out valuable research and exploration, but merely to demonstrate Washington's opinion toward the British claim to the most southern continent.

OOC: If you are interested in American help, just let me know.

*While of little consequence, the declaration by the United States regarding military escorts for foreign expeditions is laughed at universally across the island continent. This is due to the fact that it would appear the United States fails to realise that all viable seaports within reasonable supply range of Antarctica belong to the empire, thus rendering the American offer pointless (as british authorities would certainly turn away any vessels with hostile intent).*

*In Adelaide, a local newpaper cartoonist captures the situation perfectly with a comical image of an American warship captain yelling from his cruiser at a british harbour master standing in the Falkland Islands. The American is yelling at the Englishman to let him in the port so he can stamp on british authority his face blustered while the englishman rolls his eyes. In the distance on the exaggerated map sits Antarctica with the image of two men shaking hands, one named Knud the other Mawson. The caption for the whole cartoon reads: "America crys foul as world welcomes Dutch and Danish to the Antarctic club."*

*While of little consequence, the declaration by the United States regarding military escorts for foreign expeditions is laughed at universally across the island continent. This is due to the fact that it would appear the United States fails to realise that all viable seaports within reasonable supply range of Antarctica belong to the empire, thus rendering the American offer pointless (as british authorities would certainly turn away any vessels with hostile intent).*

*In Adelaide, a local newpaper cartoonist captures the situation perfectly with a comical image of an American warship captain yelling from his cruiser at a british harbour master standing in the Falkland Islands. The American is yelling at the Englishman to let him in the port so he can stamp on british authority his face blustered while the englishman rolls his eyes. In the distance on the exaggerated map sits Antarctica with the image of two men shaking hands, one named Knud the other Mawson. The caption for the whole cartoon reads: "America crys foul as world welcomes Dutch and Danish to the Antarctic club."*

OOC:

:D

It's probably a good thing than the United States has arrangements with all those little South American nations that are so close to Antarctica for port usage. I mean, it's not like they can say no to me if I really want to base ships there...

IC: Those very very few Americans actually paying attention to the Antarctic dispute manage to chuckle in good spirits at the little (though over-exuberant) Australian effort to stick up for their masters. The idea that Great Britain and the United States would ever come close to a confrontation over such a vast block of ice is rather amusing as well. Few Americans take the British claim to Antartica seriously enough to believe an escort would be turned back by force in any case.

ooc: Heh.

To the mods: is any of this actually having any game effect at all?

---

IC: *Due to the lack of response from those responsible for organising british antarctic expeditions, Australian academics approach the parilament in regard to sending their own expeditions.*

Britain sends it support to Canadian and Australian polar ambitions, adding that the more the Empire explores these lands, the more the Empire can flourish, especially on the claimed Antarctic continent.

The United States is granted permission to use Brazilian ports for their escorts as long as the force isn't too excessive (in other words, 20 ships would be a little much). The Brazilian coast has perfect access to the South Atlantic and plus, those Brits are becoming buddies with Argentina.

The United States is granted permission to use Brazilian ports for their escorts as long as the force isn't too excessive (in other words, 20 ships would be a little much). The Brazilian coast has perfect access to the South Atlantic and plus, those Brits are becoming buddies with Argentina.

The Brazilians are warmly thanked for their offer and are promised that any US military presence in their country will be minimal. Perhaps not coincidently, American aid to Brazil is 10 points in 1915.

OOC: and I will move the formal request to your thread, but the US would like to be friends again...

ooc: Heh.

To the mods: is any of this actually having any game effect at all?

---

IC: *Due to the lack of response from those responsible for organising british antarctic expeditions, Australian academics approach the parilament in regard to sending their own expeditions.*

no, but it keeps me entertained

Parthini;12045521']Britain sends it support to Canadian and Australian polar ambitions, adding that the more the Empire explores these lands, the more the Empire can flourish, especially on the claimed Antarctic continent.

Russia categorically refuses to acknowledge any claims on the Antartic continent.

The expedition into Antarctica was a complete success the 2 explorers Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen and Dutchman Lt. Hendrik Olivier. They where greeted at the docks of Copenhagen by quite a reasonable crowd of onlookers and well-wishes as they landed at the pier.

The 2 attended a function held by the Danish Geographical Society that night in which was attended by King Christian X, who gave a speech appaulding the efforts of the 2 explorers,commenting on the beneficial and positive relations between the Danish and Dutch peoples as a result of their combined efforts on the Antarctic continent. Comments where made about Antarctica being an international area and while no comments where made specifically related to the English claim on the entire continent, mainly because he did give the claim any credance and did not want to validate it any further.

At the end of the words from the King there was a small presentation by the president of the Danish Geographical Society, in a surprise presentation the president of the Society presented the Dutch Leutenant with full membership into the Danish Geographical Societ which participation into Danish Geographical Society expeditions to Greenland as well as access to the full range of resources and contacts. The Leutenant is the first non-Danish citizen to be inducted into it's halls of the well respected Danish Institution.

After coming home from Copenhagen, from the successful 1915 Antarctic Expedtion, Lt. Hendrik Olivier is welcomed home as a hero. Lt. Olivier was both honored and surprised to be full membership into the Danish Geographical Society. He thanks the president of the society of the chance to be in a great society. When he leaves he says his good byes Knud Johan Victor Rasmussen and hopes to work with him again. A week after resting he is promoted to Captain and given Order of the Dutch Lion by Queen Wilhelmina. Knud is invited to the Netherlands and is given the Order of the Dutch Lion also by Queen Wilhelmina. At this engagement Capt. Hendrik Olivier is also there to congratulate his friend.

Two to go on Polar Expedition
President Pillsudski announced that, after consultation with Norwegian officials, two Poles, Józef Unrug and Kazimierz Porębski (ooc: both RL Polish admirals), will accompany Norwegian and American explorers on an expedition this year. The government has diverted a small amount of money (.25 points) for outfitting the explorers, and the expedition as a whole, with some of the most modern equipment available. The President called the expedition a great step for Polish science, though some question investing so large a portion of the budget on these two men.

(Justification for those two is that, with lack of a Polish coastline, those who once had significant roles in the Russian or German navies now must find something else to do.)

Sedov and Brusilov to Embark on Polar Expedition

In co-operation with the Danish and Norwegian governments, Captain Georgy Sedov and Lieutenant Georgy Brusilov are embarking with a combined Danish/Swedish expedition to the South Pole. It is hoped that not only will this aid in tightening relationships with both countries, but will also allow the Russians to gather data and claim a spot of honor among those Russian explorers who have gone before them.

Sedov and Brusilov to Embark on Polar Expedition

In co-operation with the Danish and Norwegian governments, Captain Georgy Sedov and Lieutenant Georgy Brusilov are embarking with a combined Danish/Swedish expedition to the South Pole. It is hoped that not only will this aid in tightening relationships with both countries, but will also allow the Russians to gather data and claim a spot of honor among those Russian explorers who have gone before them.

[OOC- You'll need to pay something so you can cover costs for those two and their gear and passage and such. This isn't a charity trip- we do need to pay for it somehow. :)]

[OOC- You'll need to pay something so you can cover costs for those two and their gear and passage and such. This isn't a charity trip- we do need to pay for it somehow. :)]

OOC: Will .25 of a point work?

OOC: Will .25 of a point work?

[OOC- Certainly.]

Capt. Hendrik Olivier has announced the Third Dutch/Danish Antarctic Expedition. Hendrik has invited his old friend, Knud Rasmussen, to come along. The expedition is planned to take place in December and the group has decided to head to the South Pole. Hendrik has also said that the expeditions to Antarctica might come to end in the coming years.