Which explorer became the first person to reach the South Pole?

Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole.

Amundsen and four members of his Norwegian expedition reached the South Pole on 14 December 1911. They used skis and dog sledges, and carefully planned supply depots along their route. Their success came weeks before the British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott arrived.

Amundsen had originally intended to pursue an Arctic expedition, but news that Robert Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole influenced his decision to turn south. He kept the change secret from many people until the expedition was underway.

Scott reached the pole on 17 January 1912, but he and his four companions died during their return journey. Amundsen’s expedition survived and returned safely, making his polar planning a landmark in exploration history.