Who became the first person to reach the geographic South Pole in 1911?

Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the geographic South Pole in 1911. He and four companions arrived on 14 December 1911, completing one of polar exploration’s defining achievements.

Amundsen’s expedition used skis and dog teams, and the party established supply depots along its route. Their preparation and choice of equipment helped them travel efficiently across the Ross Ice Shelf and the polar plateau. They returned safely to their base camp in January 1912.

Robert Falcon Scott’s British expedition reached the pole about a month later, on 17 January 1912. Scott and the four members of his polar party died during the return journey. The contrasting outcomes made planning and logistics central themes in accounts of the race.

Amundsen had originally planned an Arctic expedition, but changed his objective after learning that the North Pole had been claimed. His success reflected both experience and careful adaptation to Antarctic conditions.