After learning that others had reached the North Pole ahead of him, Norwegian explorer Roald
Amundsen focused on the South Pole, while Scott organized another expedition to succeed
Shackleton. When each became aware of the other’s intentions, it triggered a race between the
explorers and the two nations, each vying to be the first to conquer the South Pole. This rivalry
prompted each team of explorers to identify the objectives of their mission and to design an
expedition in accordance with their aims. Each explorer considered a variety of objectives, such
as gaining territory, survival, and national pride. How should success be defined based on what is
selected as the primary objective? Based on this objective, what factors must the explorers
consider when mounting a journey to the South Pole and returning safely? Indeed, success
variously hinged on numerous small decisions. The brave leaders of these expeditions would
have to schedule and chart their course as well as select appropriate, food, clothing, shelter, and
transportation, not to mention equipment and supplies . What provisions and planning would an
expedition need in order to be successful?