Chapter 575 The expedition team sets off, mineral strategy

Regarding the exploration and development of Antarctica, there was 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 with no permanent population, and ensures that any exploration and investigation in Antarctica is only for peaceful purposes.

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

This also has an advantage for Arthur. If he can claim more than half of the Antarctic before the Antarctic Treaty is signed, or even directly occupy the entire Antarctic, Antarctica will serve as the back garden of Australasia and can also deploy corresponding military facilities. , spreading Australasia's military influence further afield.

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

In any case, Antarctica is also a continent. It is one of only seven supercontinents on the earth. There is no doubt about the richness of its resources.

If it can occupy the entire Antarctica with the support of Britain and France, Australasia will have the opportunity to become a country that dominates two continents. This is an exaggerated achievement that has never been achieved by any country.

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

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

Australasia only needs to develop these two continents, and there will be no problem in becoming one of the superpowers. It will be an unbeatable world-class country.

It is precisely because Antarctica is such an important factor that not only the Antarctic expedition team was established quickly, but also the supplies were prepared quickly. The expedition team could even set off on the third day.

The day before the expedition departed, Arthur met with all the carefully selected members of the expedition.

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 Putel, a famous Australasian explorer, is the only person who has survived in Antarctica for more than two weeks, which is why he became the leader of this expedition.

The Antarctic expedition is no joke, and the entire army may be annihilated at any time. In particular, this kind of large-scale inspection organized by the government also represents the face of the government to a certain extent. Naturally, it cannot accept the outcome of the entire army being annihilated.

Fortunately, current Antarctic exploration is no secret. Various countries have organized many scientific expedition teams, which have been able to bring considerable experience to the Australasian expedition team.

The famous British explorer Robert Scott used his personal experience to teach subsequent Antarctic explorers a lesson of blood and tears, 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 It can bring considerable effect to the scientific expedition team in Antarctica.

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

However, he made two wrong decisions when exploring Antarctica. One was that his exploration team did not have any members who had stayed in Antarctica. The second was that the dogs he carried could not withstand the severe cold in Antarctica, which led him to conclude that Dogs are not suitable for Antarctic exploration.

The first few Antarctic expeditions were very successful, which made Robert Scott gain great fame in the United Kingdom. He was even invited by the royal families of other countries to give speeches in their own countries, telling the story of his Antarctic expeditions.

Even the late King Edward VII of England was quite satisfied with the reputation Robert Scott brought to the British and promoted him to Commander of the Victoria Household Cavalry of the British Empire.

1 Scott is preparing to return to Antarctica, intending to become the first explorer in human history to set foot on the Antarctic Pole and successfully return.

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

The two people have the same purpose, they both want to be the first explorer in human history to reach the Antarctic Pole.

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

The difference between the two is not just in status and reputation, but also in 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 to Robert Scott's empirical group, Roald Amundsen was more of a practical person. He had already conducted polar training in the northernmost part of Alaska, USA. , adapted to the severe cold weather in advance.

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

This also shows the completely opposite point in the strongholds of Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen, which is the number of dogs they own.

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 base camp. All I can say is that I have a lot of regrets.

As long as Robert Scott carried a certain number of dogs, he would not be unable to get out of Antarctica.

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

Having learned the lessons of Robert Scott, Australasia’s Antarctic scientific expedition team is also preparing to carry a large number of cold-resistant dogs, which can be used both for transportation and as food in emergencies.

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

Of course, the expedition team is not limited to these five people. These five people are the real candidates to reach the Antarctic pole. Behind them are a logistics team of hundreds of people. They will stay at the base camp and the logistics supply point respectively to prepare the corresponding materials for the five people to sprint to the Antarctic pole. At the same time, they will be ready at any time. Get ready for search and rescue.

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

But going to the Antarctic pole is different. Even on an ordinary continent, it is a journey of thousands of kilometers, let alone Antarctica, where the terrain is completely uncertain and extremely cold.

If the mortality rate of peripheral logistics personnel is only 10%, then those who sprint to the Antarctic pole are lucky to have a high mortality rate, and it is definitely a small minority.

So far, hundreds of people are probably buried in Antarctica, and the number is still increasing.

In addition to the severe cold, the dangers in Antarctica also include an endless variety of threatening terrains. Coupled with frequent and violent storms, Antarctic expedition work has always been one of the most dangerous tasks in the world, and it will be equally dangerous even in later generations.

The expedition does not just start when it reaches the Antarctic. The expedition team will train on the periphery of the Antarctic for a period of time, and then gradually go deeper. It will also establish corresponding supply points on the way to the Antarctic pole to facilitate the replenishment of supplies when returning.

Because he knew the dangers of Antarctic exploration, Arthur attached great importance to the logistical supplies of these people and personally made a promise to meet all their material requirements.

In addition to supplies, there are also many Australasian flags accompanying the expedition to Antarctica.

If all goes well, they will accompany the expedition team's footprints and be inserted into the land near the expedition site, symbolizing Australasia's footprint in Antarctica.

"Gentlemen, the work you are doing is of great significance to the country and can even change the destiny 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 the resources of Antarctica should be developed by Australasia.

This is the first time that the Australasian expedition field has traveled to the Antarctic Pole. It not only represents an impact on the field of Australasian exploration, but also represents an impact on the field of exploration in the world.

Regardless of success or failure, you are all heroes of the country, heroes worthy of commemoration, and heroes who have made great contributions to the country.

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

"Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!" Many members of the expedition team shouted three times vigorously, 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 heroes of Australasia. He is a hero worthy of commendation!" Arthur nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile.

Fame and interests are the most impressive things. After receiving Arthur's personal guarantee, the morale of everyone in the expedition team increased greatly, and they were full of confidence in this expedition in Antarctica.

The day after Arthur mobilized, the expedition set off with a massive supply of supplies for a year of training on the edge of Antarctica.

There they will adapt to the severe cold weather in Antarctica, while establishing a base camp and making corresponding preparations.

The most important reason for Robert Scott's failure, in addition to the wrong choice of Siberian ponies as a means of transportation, was also a very important reason for 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 Antarctic Pole.

This also caused him to lose his sense of proportion during his Antarctic exploration. He rushed to catch up with Roald Amundsen who had set out ten days earlier. As a result, he lacked logistical supplies on his way back to base camp and was eventually buried in Antarctica.

Australasia's Antarctic exploration does not need to compete with other countries. Exploration while maintaining safety is what the current scientific expedition team needs to do most.

Before the expedition team set off, Arthur also repeatedly warned that Arthur valued the success of the results more than speed.

Arthur did not want his encouragement to make these people eager for quick success, which would ultimately lead to the failure of the Antarctic expedition.

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

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

A long time has passed, but Australasia has always controlled this black soil, and even the cultivation area has become wider and wider.

Argentina's black soil currently provides one-twentieth of Australasia's grain production, and annual grain production has exceeded one million tons.

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

By relying on land cultivation in Argentina, Australasia has also improved its relationship with Argentina, and has related cooperation in land cultivation and food trade.

This also makes the relationship between the three powerful countries in South America very complicated. Brazil should theoretically be the strongest and the largest country, but the two competitors Argentina and Chile are not weak either.

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

After Argentina repaired its relationship with Australasia, it has given up US support.

After all, the United States kept promising to provide military assistance at that time. When Argentina faced threats, it ultimately responded to them on its own.

Arthur is not sure whether the situation in South America will worsen, but he is still very interested in the development of black soil in Argentina.

If the population of Australasia is slightly insufficient compared to the major 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 is quite famous for its grain and meat exports. Although it is not as good as Australasia, it still has a certain status.

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

Countries are not just fighting each other, but are more involved in human relations and various diplomatic methods.

Even though Argentina was once Australasia's enemy, now because of its completely different status, Argentina can still become Australasia's friend.

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 reduced a lot, and Argentina has become much more peaceful.

This has also greatly improved Chile's strength and become Brazil's biggest competitor.

If it weren't for the disadvantage of land area, I'm afraid Chile might actually be able to seize the opportunity and become the hegemon of South America.

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

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

It's a pity that Australasia's actions in South America were approved by Britain and France, and even involved Britain and France. This is something that the Americans simply cannot afford to offend.

This is not the era of Americans. The British or French Americans alone may still be able to compete, but if Britain, France and Australia join forces, even the founding father of the United States, Washington, can't do anything.

Compared with the British who firmly support Chile, Australasia does not support a single country in South America and has certain cooperation with the three powerful countries in South America.

This is actually normal. After all, diplomacy between countries is conducted based on interests. Without sufficient interests, Australasia will never firmly support a certain country.

Even the British Empire supported Chile so firmly, wasn't it because of Chile's rich saltpeter mines?

Long after the birth of synthetic ammonia technology, Chile's nitrate mines were no longer so important. This also caused the British support in Chile to drop by a large margin, causing Chile to miss the opportunity to become the number one power in South America.

Australasia is a multi-country one-size-fits-all. Because of previous cooperation, I have a good relationship with Intellect. Because of the black soil in Argentina, relations with Argentina have also been restored.

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

Although the all-in-three countries cannot win the allegiance of a certain country like a younger brother, it does gain benefits in all three countries, which is considered a good choice.

Chile’s saltpeter mines, Argentina’s black soil, and Brazil’s rich mineral resources can all be enjoyed by Australasia, and they are also important partners of these countries.

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

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

In addition to the abundant iron ore that Australasia has no shortage of, Brazil also has a wide variety of rare metals, including a special metal niobium.

Niobium, a special metal, is relatively sparsely distributed around the world, and the more famous countries are Brazil and Canada.

Among them, Brazil’s reserves are as high as more than 75%. For this, we must have a good relationship with Brazil.

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

For example, niobium is usually used as high-temperature resistant alloys, superconducting alloys and electron tube materials. It can also be used in the production of steel. The overall effect of strong steel's hardness and anti-corrosion is quite important.

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

After all, Australasia's influence in South America is still no greater than that of the closer United States. Although Australasia currently has the advantage, the United States will use various means to undermine the relationship between South American countries and Australasia. Relationship.

Under such circumstances, to maintain relations with South American countries, it is destined not to use some unconventional means.

Fortunately, the United States currently has more important things than wooing South America. The various complicated things in their country also prevent the United States from looking abroad.

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