Scott was inspired by the tradition of British polar exploration, which had begun in the 19th century with expeditions to the Arctic. He was also influenced by the writings of Henry Morton Stanley, the explorer of Africa, who had written about the importance of leadership and discipline in exploration. Scott was determined to emulate the achievements of these earlier explorers and to make his own mark on the history of polar exploration.
Scott's specific goals were to:
- Reach the South Pole
- Be the first person to do so
- Conduct scientific research in the Antarctic
Scott's expedition was well-equipped and prepared, but it faced many challenges, including extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain. Scott and his team showed great courage and determination, but they ultimately failed to reach the South Pole. Scott and his team died on their return journey, but their expedition had a lasting impact on polar exploration and scientific research in the Antarctic.