1850s Arctic expeditions

In the 1850s, several Arctic expeditions were launched primarily to explore uncharted territories and search for the Northwest Passage, a hypothetical sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Notable expeditions included those led by Sir John Franklin and Robert McClure. These missions faced extreme weather, treacherous ice, and difficulties in navigation. Many explorers suffered harsh conditions, leading to tragic outcomes, like Franklin's expedition, which famously disappeared. Despite the hardships, these explorations contributed to mapping the Arctic region and enhancing our understanding of geography, climate, and the potential for maritime trade routes.