Scott and Shackleton

Q: What was Captain Scott’s main goal in the Terra Nova Expedition?
A: To be the first to reach the South Pole and return safely.

Q: Why did Scott’s transport choices contribute to failure?
A: He used ponies, man-hauling, and unreliable motor sledges instead of sled dogs, which were better suited to Antarctic conditions.

Q: How did Scott’s team’s lack of experience hurt their chances?
A: Few were trained in polar survival, skiing, or using sled dogs, making travel and survival much harder.

Q: What were some planning mistakes Scott made?
A: Poorly placed supply depots, underestimating calorie needs, and leaking fuel canisters.

Q: What was the result of Scott’s expedition?
A: Reached the South Pole second (after Amundsen) but all five men in the polar party died on the return journey.

Q: How is Scott remembered today?
A: As a symbol of tragic bravery and heroic failure.

Q: What was Shackleton’s original goal in the Endurance Expedition?
A: To cross the Antarctic continent from coast to coast.

Q: What made Shackleton’s leadership exceptional?
A: He prioritized the survival of his crew over completing the mission, kept morale high, and made flexible, decisive choices.

Q: How did Shackleton’s experience help him succeed?
A: He had prior Antarctic experience, knew how to read ice and weather, and adapted strategies as conditions changed.

Q: What daring rescue mission did Shackleton lead?
A: An 800-mile journey in a small lifeboat (James Caird) across the Southern Ocean to South Georgia Island.

Q: How did Shackleton secure rescue for his crew?
A: After reaching South Georgia, he crossed the island’s unmapped mountains to reach a whaling station and organized a rescue.

Q: What was the outcome of Shackleton’s expedition?
A: Although the expedition failed to cross Antarctica, Shackleton saved all 28 men, making it one of history’s greatest survival stories.

Q: How is Shackleton remembered today?
A: As a model of outstanding crisis leadership, resilience, and survival.

More Flashcards: Scott vs. ShackletonQ: What was the biggest leadership difference between Scott and Shackleton?
A: Scott was rigid and goal-focused; Shackleton was flexible and people-focused.

Q: How did Scott’s planning contribute to his failure?
A: He underestimated food and fuel needs, mismanaged depot placements, and took an extra man (five instead of four) to the Pole, overstraining supplies.

Q: Why did Shackleton’s adaptability matter?
A: He constantly adjusted plans — switching from sledging to boats, splitting groups, and launching a risky rescue mission when needed.

Q: What transport mistake did Scott make with animals?
A: He used ponies, which were poorly suited to Antarctic ice and snow, instead of reliable sled dogs.

Q: What was Shackleton’s greatest navigation achievement?
A: Sailing 800 miles in a small lifeboat across the Southern Ocean and landing almost exactly where planned.

Q: What kept Shackleton’s crew morale high?
A: Humor, shared hardship, routine, Shackleton’s personal involvement, and strong group loyalty.

Q: What contributed to Scott’s team’s physical collapse?
A: Severe exhaustion, extreme cold, inadequate rations, and inability to reach supply depots.

Q: What famous phrase is often linked to Shackleton’s leadership?
A: “Leadership in crisis” — referring to his ability to keep his men alive through extreme adversity.

Q: How did the outcomes of the two expeditions differ?
A: Scott’s expedition reached its goal but lost all its polar team; Shackleton’s failed its goal but saved every crew member.

Q: What lesson do modern leaders take from Shackleton’s story?
A: The importance of adaptability, team care, and prioritizing people over fixed goals in crisis.