The Deadly Arctic Expedition

In 1913, Arctic explorer and scientist, Vilhjamur Stefansson put together a crew of seamen and scientists to explore the vast virgin territory of the Arctic. Stefansson’s desire to get the expedition underway without delays and his poor planning of the trip placed the crew at risk. When their ship became ice locked in the frigid waters of the Arctic, the crew struggled to survive the harsh winter. The Deadly Arctic Expedition would be useful for classes on North American History, Geography, Ethics, Science and Maritime History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• Inuit
• arduous
• auxiliary
• beleaguered
• cavort
• cohesion
• covens
• extol
• haphazardly
• hostile
• iconoclasm
• languish
• liability
• meteorologist
• obsolete
• rendezvous
• subordinates
• tedious
• tenuous
• treacherous

1. The Arctic is a cold and unforgiving environment. Why did Vilhjamur Stefansson go to the Arctic?

2. The Karluk was an old vessel, ill-prepared to meet the challenges of the Arctic winter. Yet, Stefansson chose this ship for his expedition. Why did Stefansson pick the Karluk? Did he act irresponsibly?

3. Robert Bartlett, the captain of the Karluk suggested that they return when winter made an early appearance, but Stefansson refused. Why didn’t Stefansson follow Bartlett’s advice? Why did he refuse to return?

4. The deadly expedition took place in 1913. How would it be different if the Karluk sailed today?

5. While the Karluk was stranded in the Arctic ice, Stefansson took a few men and went on a hunting expedition. Why have many viewed Stefansson’s hunting trip with suspicion?

6. What attempts did the castaways make to try to rescue themselves? Why were they unsuccessful?

7. What do you think happened to the sailor and scientists that disappeared?

8. Captain Bartlett left the rest of the castaways on Wrangel Island. Why?

9. Despite the tragedy of the expedition, it was considered a success. Why?

10. Was Captain Bartlett a hero?

1. Imagine that you are one of the survivors of the Karluk. Write a journal detailing your experience.

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