Chapter 575: Expedition Team Sets Out, Mineral Strategy

Regarding the exploration and development of Antarctica, there is a very famous treaty in later generations, called the Antarctic Treaty.

The Treaty of Nanjing restricts the activities of various countries in Antarctica, a special continent without permanent population, to ensure that any exploration and investigation in Antarctica is only for peaceful purposes.

But before this treaty, there were no restrictions on the exploration of Antarctica by various countries. Ice and snow and extremely cold weather were the biggest and only restrictions.

This is also a benefit for Arthur. If he could claim most of Antarctica before the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, or even directly occupy the entire Antarctica, Antarctica would be the back garden of Australasia, and corresponding military facilities could also be deployed to spread Australasia's military influence to more distant areas.

As for the rich marine resources in the waters near Antarctica and the rich mineral resources on the Antarctic continent, this is an added value, but it is also very important.

In any case, Antarctica is also a continent, one of only seven supercontinents on Earth, and the richness of its resources is naturally beyond doubt.

If the entire Antarctica can be occupied with the support of Britain and France, Australasia will have the opportunity to become a country that monopolizes two continents, which is an exaggerated achievement that no country has ever achieved.

As powerful as the British Empire, which is known as the Empire on which the sun never sets, it has never achieved the achievement of monopolizing two continents.

Moreover, Oceania is relatively close to Australia. It is a back garden that can be defended, and it can also provide Australia with a steady stream of mineral resources and even enrich Australia's tourist attractions.

Australasia only needs to develop these two continents well, and there is no problem at all to become one of the superpowers. It is an unshakable world-class.

It is precisely because of the importance of Antarctica that not only the Antarctic expedition team was established quickly, but also the materials were prepared quickly. The expedition team could even set off on the third day.

The day before the expedition team set off, Arthur met all the carefully selected members of the expedition team.

Among these people are experienced explorers, strong soldiers, experienced geographers, and hunters who are proficient in wilderness survival skills.

Among them, the leader of the expedition, Charles Puttel, a famous explorer in Australasia, is the only person who has survived in Antarctica for more than two weeks, which is why he became the leader of this expedition.

Antarctic expeditions are no joke, and the whole army may be wiped out at any time. Especially this large-scale expedition organized by the government, which also represents the face of the government to a certain extent, and naturally cannot accept such an outcome of annihilation.

Fortunately, the current Antarctic exploration is not a secret. Various countries have organized many scientific expeditions, which have been able to bring considerable experience to the Australasian expedition team.

The famous British explorer Robert Scott used his personal experience to tell the later Antarctic explorers a bloody lesson, that is, Antarctic scientific expeditions cannot select members who have not survived in Antarctica. At the same time, it also proved that dogs can indeed bring considerable effects to the scientific expedition team in Antarctica.

Robert Scott, who was born in a military family, is quite famous in the field of exploration and is also one of the pioneers in exploring the Antarctic Pole.

However, he made two wrong decisions when exploring Antarctica. One was that his exploration team had no members who had been to Antarctica. The second was that the dog he brought could not stand the severe cold in Antarctica, which made him conclude that dogs were not suitable for Antarctic exploration.

The previous Antarctic expeditions were very successful, which made Robert Scott gain great fame in the UK. He was even invited by the royal families of other countries to give speeches in their own countries to tell about his experience in Antarctic exploration.

Even the late British King Edward VII was quite satisfied with the reputation Robert Scott brought to the British people and promoted him to the commander of the Victorian Royal Cavalry of the British Empire.

1 Scott was ready to return to Antarctica, intending to become the first explorer in human history to step into the South Pole and return successfully.

During this period, he also met the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.

The two had the same goal, both wanted to be the first explorer in human history to reach the South Pole.

But their status and reputation at this time were completely opposite. Robert Scott was a famous explorer in the British Empire, and even in Europe, while Roald Amundsen was just an unknown explorer even in his own country, Norway.

The difference between the two is not just their status and reputation, but also their completely different approaches to Antarctic exploration.

Because of his previous experience in Antarctic exploration, Robert Scott gave up using dogs for transportation and instead added some manpower.

But Roald Amundsen was different. Compared with Robert Scott's empiricism, Roald Amundsen was more of a practical person. He had polar training in the northernmost part of Alaska, USA, and adapted to the severe cold weather in advance.

More importantly, Roald Amundsen found dogs in Alaska that were more suitable for Antarctic exploration. This kind of dog was more adapted to the severe cold of polar weather and was more suitable as a transport dog for exploring Antarctica than ordinary temperate dogs.

This also shows that the opposite point between the bases of Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen was the number of dogs they had.

In the end, with more dogs, Roald Amundsen successfully became the first explorer to reach the South Pole and return safely, while Robert Scott died on the way back to the base camp, which can only be said to be quite regrettable.

If Robert Scott had brought a certain number of dogs, he would not have been unable to leave Antarctica.

Because the dogs used in Antarctic exploration are not only used for transportation, but also as meat in emergencies, which can ensure that these explorers will not starve to death in Antarctica.

Having learned from Robert Scott's lessons, the Australian Antarctic expedition team is also prepared to carry a large number of cold-resistant dogs, which can be used as transportation and as food in emergencies.

As for the personnel division of the entire expedition team, in addition to the leader Charles Puttel, there are a geographer, two soldiers and a wilderness survival expert, a total of five people.

Of course, the expedition team is not just these five people. These five people are the real candidates for the Antarctic Pole. Behind them are hundreds of logistics teams, who will stay at the base camp and logistics supply points to prepare the corresponding supplies for the five people who are rushing to the Antarctic Pole, and be ready to search and rescue at any time.

Compared with the five people going to the Antarctic Pole, the safety of the remaining people will be greatly improved, and all they have to do is endure the severe cold.

But going to the Antarctic Pole is different. Even on ordinary continents, it is a journey of thousands of kilometers, not to mention the Antarctic, where the terrain is not certain and the terrain is extremely cold.

If the mortality rate of peripheral logistics personnel is only 10%, then the mortality rate of those who are rushing to the Antarctic Pole is as high as more than 90%. Those who can survive are lucky, and they are definitely a minority.

So far, I am afraid that hundreds of people have been buried in Antarctica, and the number is still increasing.

In addition to the severe cold, the dangers of Antarctica also include various threatening terrains that emerge in an endless stream. Coupled with frequent and severe storms, Antarctic exploration has always been one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, even in later generations.

The expedition does not start as soon as it arrives at Antarctica. The expedition team will train for a period of time outside Antarctica, then gradually go deeper, and set up corresponding supply points on the way to the South Pole to facilitate the replenishment of supplies when returning.

Knowing the dangers of Antarctic exploration, Arthur attaches great importance to the logistical supply of these people, and personally promised to meet all their material requirements.

In addition to supplies, there are also many flags of Australasia accompanying the expedition team to Antarctica.

If all goes well, they will be planted in the land near the expedition point along with the expedition team's footprints, and also symbolize the footprints of Australasia in Antarctica.

"Gentlemen, the work you are doing is of great significance to the country and can even change the fate of the country.

Australasia is the only great power in the Southern Hemisphere. As the country closest to Antarctica, we should be part of Antarctic exploration, and Antarctic resources should be developed by Australasia.

This is the first time that the Australasia expedition has gone to the South Pole. It not only represents the impact on the Australasia expedition, but also represents the impact on the world expedition.

Whether successful or not, you are all heroes of the country, heroes worth commemorating and making great contributions to the country.

Before you set off, please answer my question solemnly and solemnly. Are you afraid of the cold climate in Antarctica and the high mortality rate of exploring Antarctica?" Arthur made the final mobilization.

"Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!" Many members of the expedition shouted three times, symbolizing their determination.

"Very good, I will wait for you in Sydney, waiting for all of you to return to Australasia safely. When I return to Sydney again, I will personally celebrate your success. You are all the heroes of Australasia and heroes worthy of praise!" Arthur nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile.

Fame and benefits are the most impressive. After getting Arthur's personal guarantee, the morale of all the expedition members increased greatly, and they were full of confidence in this expedition in Antarctica.

The day after Arthur's mobilization, the expedition team set out with a large amount of supplies and went to the edge of Antarctica for a year of training.

There they will adapt to the severe cold weather in Antarctica, set up a base camp, and make corresponding preparations.

The most important reason for Robert Scott's failure, in addition to the wrong choice of Siberian dwarf horses as a means of transportation, was the lack of preparation caused by the hasty pursuit of Roald Amundsen.

It can only be said that the long-term praise in Britain and Europe also made Robert Scott attach great importance to the status of the first explorer to reach the South Pole.

This also made him lose his sense of proportion in the Antarctic exploration. He hurriedly chased Roald Amundsen, who had set out ten days earlier, resulting in a lack of logistical supplies on his way back to the base camp, and eventually died in Antarctica.

Australasia's Antarctic exploration does not need to compete with other countries. Exploration under the premise of maintaining safety is what the scientific expedition team needs to do most at present.

Before the expedition team set off, Arthur also repeatedly reminded that compared with speed, Arthur paid more attention to the success of the results.

Arthur did not want these people to have a mentality of quick success and instant benefits because of his encouragement, which ultimately led to the failure of this Antarctic expedition.

After seeing off the Antarctic expedition team, Arthur can finally turn his eyes away from Antarctica and look at other lands besides Antarctica.

On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, Australasia still has a large black soil planting area, which is the result of the previous war between Argentina and Chile.

It has been a long time, but Australasia has always controlled this black soil, and even the planting area has become wider and wider.

At present, Argentina's black soil provides Australasia with one twentieth of its grain output, and its annual grain output has exceeded one million tons.

This is not a small number. After all, the scale of black soil controlled by Australasia is not large. Compared with the scope of black soil owned by Argentina, it is just a fraction.

Relying on land planting in Argentina, Australasia has also improved its relationship with Argentina, and has relevant cooperation in land planting and grain trade.

This also leads to a very complicated relationship between the three powers in South America. In theory, Brazil should be the strongest and largest country, but the two competitors Argentina and Chile are not weak either.

Chile, with the support of the British Empire, not only makes Argentina and Brazil very wary, but also has the strongest navy in South America.

After repairing its relationship with Australasia, Argentina has given up the support of the United States.

After all, the United States promised to provide military assistance at that time, but when Argentina faced threats, it still had to deal with it on its own.

Arthur was not sure whether the situation in South America would deteriorate, but he was still very interested in the development of black soil in Argentina.

If the population of Australasia is slightly insufficient compared to the great powers, then the population of countries like Argentina and Chile is even more insufficient.

However, it is precisely because of the smaller population that less resources are consumed.

Argentina's food and meat exports are quite famous. Although it is not as good as Australasia, it is also a certain status.

For Arthur, it is also necessary to build good relations with countries like Argentina.

There is no fighting and killing between countries, but more human relations and various diplomatic means.

Even though Argentina was once an enemy of Australasia, it can still be a friend of Australasia because of its different status.

Of course, the relationship with Chile is also very important. After the war between Argentina and Chile ended, the conflicts between the two countries have been reduced a lot, and Argentina has become much more peaceful.

This also greatly improved Chile's strength and made it Brazil's biggest competitor.

If it were not for the disadvantage of land area, I am afraid Chile might really seize the opportunity to become the overlord of South America.

Speaking of South America, we have to mention a country, that is, the United States in North America.

Although not in the same continent, the United States has always regarded South America as its own backyard, and is naturally quite dissatisfied with Australasia's intervention in South American affairs.

It's a pity that Australasia's actions in South America have been approved by Britain and France, and even Britain and France have participated, which is something that Americans can't afford to offend.

This is not the era of Americans. Britain, France, and the United States may still be able to compete alone, but Britain, France, and Australia will unite, so that even the founding father of the United States, Washington, can't do anything.

Compared with the British's firm support for Chile, Australasia does not support a single country in South America, and has certain cooperation with the three major powers in South America.

This is actually very normal. After all, diplomacy between countries is carried out in accordance with interests. Without sufficient interests, Australasia will never firmly support a country.

Even the British Empire, the reason why it supports Chile so firmly is not because of the rich saltpeter mines in Chile?

As early as the birth of synthetic ammonia technology, Chile's saltpeter mines were not so important, which also reduced the British support for Chile and made Chile miss the opportunity to become the first power in South America.

Australasia is a multi-country take-all. For the previous cooperation, it has a good relationship with Chile. Because of the black soil in Argentina, it has also repaired its relationship with Argentina.

In addition to the rich mineral resources in Brazil, it also has import and export trade cooperation with Brazil in mineral resources.

Although the three countries cannot get the loyalty of a certain country like a younger brother, it does gain benefits in all three countries, which is also a good choice.

Australasia can enjoy Chile's saltpeter mines, Argentina's black soil, and Brazil's rich mineral resources, and is also an important partner of these countries.

Especially Brazil, as the largest country in South America, Brazil's mineral resources are still quite rich.

Although Brazil is only famous for the Amazon rainforest in later generations, Brazil's development potential and the resources it has are definitely among the best in the world.

In addition to the rich iron ore that Australasia does not lack, Brazil also has a wide variety of rare metals, including a special metal niobium.

Niobium, a special metal, is relatively rare in the world, and the more famous countries are Brazil and Canada.

Among them, Brazil's reserves are as high as more than 75%, so we must build good relations with Brazil for this.

What's more, Brazil also has quite rich rare earth resources, which is still very important for future high-tech development.

For example, niobium is usually used as a high-temperature alloy, superconducting alloy and electron tube material. It can also be used in the production of steel to strengthen the hardness and corrosion resistance of steel. Its overall role is still relatively important.

Although mineral resources can also be seized by force, this kind of peaceful development is more stable and sustainable.

Australasia's influence in South America is ultimately not as good as that of the United States, which is closer. Although Australasia currently has an advantage, it is possible that the United States will also use various means to undermine the relationship between South American countries and Australasia.

In this case, maintaining relations with South American countries is doomed to not use some unconventional means.

Fortunately, the United States currently has more important things than winning over South America. The various complicated things in their country also make the United States have no mind to look abroad.

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