Swastikas on the Ice: The race for control of the Antarctic

Public Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago

Book cover copyright of Random House

David Day, Visiting Author and Honorary Associate, La Trobe University

When Nazi Germany began dropping swastikas on the Antarctic ice in 1939, it prompted President Roosevelt to order the American colonization of the continent.

The history of Antarctica has been marked by often intense territorial rivalry, beginning with the British decision in 1919 to control the continent. Australia's Douglas Mawson played an important role in this when he claimed 42% of the land mass for the British Empire. Challenges to the British move came from all sides. Chile and Argentina vied for the Antarctic Peninsula, France wanted Adelie Land and Norway wanted its own slice of the Antarctic pie. But the greatest challenge came from the United States, which became alarmed after both Japan and Germany made moves in the late 1930s to establish bases there. When Washington responded, the race was on in earnest.

Join visiting author David Day as he discusses the untold story of the race to control the last frontier continent on Earth.

David Day will be available on the night to sign copies of his book Antarctica: A biography (Knopf, 2012), available for sale on the night through the Museum Shop (RRP $45.00)

Cost: Free event
Bookings: Essential, using the link below.