The First Claimant: The UK’s Stance on Antarctica
The First Claimant: The UK’s Stance on Antarctica
Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth, has been the subject of various territorial claims by several nations throughout history. Among them, the United Kingdom (UK) was the first to officially lay claim to a portion of this vast and remote territory. This article delves into the early history of Antarctic territorial claims and the role played by the UK.
Early Historical References
Before any formal claim was made, the concept of Antarctic landmasses was first mentioned by ancient Greek and Phoenician scholars. Around 100 BC, a geographer and mathematician from the Greek or Phoenician civilization, who remains unnamed, described the existence of a great southern landmass, known as Terra Australis. Despite the limited technology and understanding of the time, his description was surprisingly accurate in terms of the relative distance between the southern tip of Africa and the proposed landmass.
The UK's Claim and the British Antarctic Territory
The official claim by the UK to a part of Antarctica dates back to 1908, when it first asserted the British Antarctic Territory. This claim included approximately 917,757 square miles of the continent, encompassing a significant portion of the region. Since then, other countries, including Argentina and Chile, have made their own claims, each based on historical, geographic, or scientific arguments. For instance, Argentine and Chilean claims are partly based on the earlier Spanish assertion of vast territories in the southern hemisphere, which they argue could extend to the southernmost regions of Antarctica.
Legal and Scientific Framework: The Antarctic Treaty System
While the UK has maintained its claim, the official governance of Antarctica has been significantly shaped by the establishment of the Antarctic Treaty System in 1961. This system has effectively set aside all territorial claims and designated Antarctica as a continent dedicated to peaceful scientific exploration. The treaty ensures that no new claims are made and that all countries are treated equally in terms of scientific research and access.
Historical Context of Later Discoveries and Claims
The first recorded landing on Antarctica by humans took place in 1819 by sailors aboard the Spanish ship San Telmo. However, this expedition ended in tragedy as the ship was wrecked, and all crew members perished. In the early 20th century, with the technological advancements of the time, the race to claim Antarctic territories became more evident. The Russian expedition under Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen in 1820 laid the groundwork but did not establish a claim. It was Captain William Smith from England who made the first claim, which was recognized and secured by further explorations and expeditions from British personnel.
Conclusion
From ancient sources to the modern Antarctic Treaty System, the historical journey of territorial claims in Antarctica provides a fascinating insight into the complexities of international relations and scientific exploration. The UK's claim, established in 1908, remains a significant chapter in the history of Antarctic governance, reflecting the diverse motivations and actions behind such territorial assertions.