Antarctica and imperialism

During the 1920s Australia and Britain became aware that several countries, including Norway and France, were intending to stake territorial claims in Antarctica.

The outbreak of World War I occurred immediately after the 1911–14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, and plans for further Antarctic exploration were postponed.

During the 1920s Australia and Britain became aware that several countries, including Norway and France, were intending to stake territorial claims in Antarctica. This led to increased pressure on the Australian Government to mount a further expedition, both to establish territorial claims in the region and to explore the economic potential of Antarctica.

Curriculum areas

Year 5 Geography
Year 9 History

Questions

What did Prime Minister Bruce and his government hope to achieve for Australia by sending the 1929 expedition to Antarctica?
How important was British influence in Australia’s decision to extend its territorial claims in Antarctica?
How significant was Sir Douglas Mawson’s role in the success of the British Australian New Zealand Research Expeditions (BANZARE) between 1929 and 1931?

Records

Record

Statement made to the Australian Parliament by Prime Minister Bruce on a proposed Australian expedition to the Antarctic.

Australian expedition to the Antarctic – statement to the Parliament by Prime Minister Stanley Bruce

The statement made to the Australian Parliament on 21 February 1929 by Prime Minister Bruce on a proposed Australian expedition to the Antarctic.

Record

Australia Antarctic Territory Acceptance Act

An Act to provide for the acceptance of certain territory in the Antarctic Seas as a Territory under the authority of the Commonwealth and for the Government thereof.

Record

King George V's commission to Sir Douglas Mawson to claim land in Antarctica

Copy of the King's commission to Sir Douglas Mawson regarding land in Antarctica.

Record

Territorial value of Antarctica – letter from Douglas Mawson to Secretary, Department of External Affairs

Letter from Douglas Mawson to Secretary, Department of External Affairs

Record

Prime Minister Bruce's sailing order to Sir Douglas Mawson.

Antarctic expedition – sailing orders for Douglas Mawson from Prime Minister Stanley Bruce

These secret notes were given to Sir Douglas Mawson providing sailing orders from Prime Minister Bruce in 1929.

Record

Proclamation of sovereignty rights over Antarctic territory made by Douglas Mawson

The BANZARE voyages (1929–30 and 1930–31) charted over 2000 miles of previously unexplored coastline. Bad weather and heavy pack ice made landfall difficult.

Record

Secret encoded telegram about the French decree over Adelie Land.

French decree over Adélie Land, Antarctica – encoded telegram from the Governor-General

A secret encoded telegram from 1925 about the French decree over Adélie Land in Antarctica. It reveals fear over the French laying claim to Antarctic territory.

Record

Proclamation cylinder which held the sovereignty claim.

Proclamation cylinder which held Douglas Mawson’s sovereignty claim over Antarctic territory

A photograph of the copper cylinder container for Sir Douglas Mawson's proclamation of sovereignty rights over Antarctic territory, dated 18th February 1931.