History Buffs: The Terror

History Buffs

18 May 201934:52

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe script recounts the ill-fated British Arctic expedition of 1845 led by Captain Sir John Franklin, aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Despite advanced ships and provisions, the crew faced a series of catastrophic events, including being trapped in ice, lead poisoning from canned food, and scurvy. The narrative details the crew's desperate attempts to survive the harsh Arctic conditions, the search and rescue efforts, and the eventual discovery of the shipwrecks. It also discusses the adaptation of this historical event into the horror miniseries 'The Terror,' highlighting its accuracy and minor inaccuracies, while recommending the series for its respectful portrayal of the tragic expedition.

Takeaways

🚢 The British Arctic expedition of 1845, led by Captain Sir John Franklin, aimed to discover the Northwest Passage but ended in disaster.
🛳️ HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were technologically advanced ships for their time, designed to withstand the harsh Arctic conditions.
❄️ The crew faced extreme weather conditions, including the long polar night and temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.
📚 The expedition was well-equipped with provisions, including canned food, which unfortunately led to health issues such as lead poisoning.
🚫 The ships' size and strength, which were meant to be advantages, turned out to be disadvantages in the shallow and ice-filled Arctic waters.
🔍 The crew conducted scientific observations, including recording atmospheric and terrestrial phenomena like sun dogs and the aurora borealis.
🏥 Health issues plagued the expedition, with lead poisoning from canned food and scurvy being significant factors.
💀 The last known movements of the expedition included the abandonment of the ships and a desperate attempt to walk south to find help.
🐾 Inuit accounts and later archaeological evidence suggested that the crew may have resorted to cannibalism in their final days.
🏛️ Despite the tragic outcome, the expedition was initially seen as heroic, and Sir John Franklin was commemorated with a statue in London.
📺 The TV series 'The Terror' is based on the expedition's story and incorporates both historical facts and fictional elements, including a supernatural monster.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the British Arctic expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin?
-The primary goal of the British Arctic expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin was to find the Northwest Passage, a shortcut to Asia believed to exist in the Canadian Arctic waters.
What were HMS Erebus and HMS Terror?
-HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were two of the most technologically advanced ships of their time, former bomb vessel class warships, which were modified for the Arctic expedition with added strength and durability to withstand the enormous pressure from ice.
What were some of the modifications made to HMS Erebus and HMS Terror for the Arctic expedition?
-The modifications included strengthening the ships with extra planking at the bow and waterline to prevent ice damage, sealing off the hold into watertight compartments to hinder flooding, and installing central heating systems. They were also fitted with iron sheeting and enormous steam engines for propulsion through ice.
How did the British Royal Navy address the problem of feeding the men on the Franklin expedition?
-The British Royal Navy used canned food, a new invention at the time, to address the feeding problem. Canned food allowed for the preservation of meat, fruits, and vegetables for years, ensuring a fresh supply for the crew.
What was the role of the diving suit in the Franklin expedition?
-The diving suit was an innovation that allowed divers to perform tasks underwater, such as clearing ice from the propellers or repairing parts of the hull, even in sub-freezing Arctic waters.
What was Captain Sir John Franklin's reputation like prior to the Arctic expedition?
-Captain Sir John Franklin was seen as a kind and romantic leader with an infectious enthusiasm for exploration. However, his professional reputation was less flattering due to a poorly planned expedition in 1819 that ended in disaster, earning him the nickname 'the man who ate his own shoes'.
What happened to the Franklin expedition after they entered the icy maze of the Arctic?
-After entering the icy maze, the Franklin expedition became trapped in the ice and disappeared. Despite being well-equipped and prepared, the ships and crew faced numerous challenges including harsh weather conditions, lead poisoning from canned food, and scurvy, leading to the eventual abandonment of the ships and the tragic loss of many crew members.
What was the significance of the discovery of the skeletal remains at the campsite described by the Inuits?
-The discovery of the skeletal remains provided evidence of cut marks on the bones, specifically at the hands, feet, and neck, suggesting that the Franklin's men resorted to cannibalism in their desperate situation. This confirmed the accounts provided by the Inuits and was a significant revelation in the historical understanding of the expedition's fate.
How did the public and the Admiralty initially react to the reports of cannibalism among Franklin's crew?
-The public and the Admiralty initially refused to believe the reports of cannibalism. The Admiralty discredited the Inuit testimonies, and the British public, considering the men as heroes, found the idea of them engaging in cannibalism to be an insult. Charles Dickens, a personal friend of Lady Franklin, also denounced these testimonies in his publications.
What are some inaccuracies present in the TV series 'The Terror' based on the Franklin expedition?
-Some inaccuracies in 'The Terror' include Cornelius Hickey smoking a cigarette on board, which was against Royal Navy regulations and had not been adopted in Britain at the time, Dr. Harry Goodsir opening a tin with a can opener, which had not been invented yet, and the inclusion of a supernatural monster, which deviates from the historical account and the book on which the series is based.
What did the crew of the Franklin expedition experience during their time in the Arctic?
-The crew experienced extreme weather conditions, including the long polar night with no sunlight for weeks, barren landscapes, and temperatures down to minus 40 and below. They also faced the challenges of lead poisoning from canned food, scurvy, and eventually, the desperate measure of cannibalism.

Outlines

00:00

🚢 The Franklin Expedition: A Quest for the Northwest Passage

This paragraph introduces the historical context of the Franklin Expedition, a British Arctic voyage aimed at discovering the Northwest Passage. It highlights the sponsorship by Curiosity and the review of the horror miniseries 'The Terror' based on Dan Simmons' book. The expedition's goal was to find a shortcut to Asia through the Canadian Arctic, a mystery that persisted for over 400 years. The narrative sets the stage for the tragic tale of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, emphasizing the technological advancements of the era and the modifications made to the ships for the harsh Arctic conditions.

05:00

🧊 Arctic Challenges and Franklin's Leadership

This section delves into the harsh realities of the Arctic environment, detailing the extreme weather conditions faced by the Franklin Expedition. It discusses the modifications made to the ships, including the addition of central heating and the use of canned food to prevent scurvy. The paragraph also explores Captain Sir John Franklin's background, his previous Arctic experiences, and the controversies surrounding his leadership. It sets the stage for the tragic events that unfolded during the expedition and hints at the show's inaccuracies compared to historical facts.

10:00

🛳️ The Fate of Erebus and Terror: Trapped in Ice

This paragraph narrates the progression of the Franklin Expedition after the ships' departure from Greenland, leading to their entrapment in the Arctic ice. It describes the initial optimism and scientific observations made by the crew, the challenges of navigating the magnetic north pole, and the eventual disappearance of the ships. The paragraph also discusses the first signs of trouble, including the discovery of three graves on Beechey Island and the realization that the expedition was stuck in the ice for two winters.

15:02

🥫 The Perils of Canned Food and Lead Poisoning

This section explores the health crises that plagued the Franklin Expedition, focusing on the issues with canned food and the resulting lead poisoning. It explains how the crew's reliance on canned provisions led to a high lead content in their bodies, causing severe health issues and potentially exacerbating diseases like tuberculosis. The paragraph also discusses the impact of botulism from spoiled food and the dire consequences of these health problems in the isolated Arctic environment.

20:04

🚶‍♂️ The Desperate March South: Abandoning Ship and Cannibalism

This paragraph describes the crew's desperate attempt to survive by abandoning their ships and marching south in search of help. It details the physical and psychological toll of the journey, including the effects of scurvy and the extreme cold. The narrative also touches on the controversial accounts of cannibalism among the survivors, as reported by the Inuit and later dismissed by the British authorities. The paragraph sets a somber tone, highlighting the tragic end to the expedition and the long-lasting impact on public perception.

25:04

🎥 The Terror Miniseries: Historical Accuracy and Inaccuracies

This section provides a critique of the 'The Terror' miniseries, discussing its adherence to historical facts and the creative liberties taken. It praises the show for its accurate portrayal of the Franklin Expedition's challenges and the use of historical details, such as the Dutch angle and the inclusion of pets. The paragraph also points out several inaccuracies, including the use of a can opener and the depiction of a supernatural creature instead of a polar bear. Despite these issues, the critique concludes with a recommendation to watch the show for its effective blend of history and horror.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Arctic expedition

The Arctic expedition refers to the journey undertaken by the British Royal Navy in the 19th century to explore and chart the unmapped regions of the Arctic, specifically in search of the Northwest Passage. In the context of the video, it highlights the historical attempt led by Captain Sir John Franklin and the tragic outcomes that ensued, including the disappearance of the ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.

💡Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage is a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America. It was a long-sought-after route for maritime trade, as it was believed to provide a shorter path to Asia. The video emphasizes the allure of this passage and the determination of explorers to find it, which was a driving force behind the Franklin expedition.

💡HMS Erebus and HMS Terror

HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were two advanced ships of the British Royal Navy that were used for the Arctic expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin. These ships were specially modified for the harsh conditions of the Arctic, with features such as reinforced hulls, central heating, and steam engines. The video details the technological advancements of these vessels and their crucial role in the expedition.

💡Lead poisoning

Lead poisoning is a condition caused by the absorption of lead into the body, which can have severe health effects, including neurological problems, abdominal pain, and even death. In the context of the video, it is suggested that the crew of the Franklin expedition may have suffered from lead poisoning due to the solder used to seal their canned food, which could have contributed to their demise.

💡Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen in humans. It is characterized by symptoms such as swollen, bleeding gums, and bruising. In the video, scurvy is mentioned as a potential cause of death for the crew members of the Franklin expedition, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a balanced diet in the Arctic environment.

💡Canning

Canning is a method of preserving food by processing and sealing it in an airtight container, which was a significant innovation in the 19th century. It allowed for long-term storage without refrigeration. In the context of the video, canned food made up the bulk of the provisions on the Franklin expedition, but issues with sealing and potential spoilage may have led to health problems for the crew.

💡Botulism

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces a toxin that can lead to muscle paralysis and respiratory failure. In the video, it is suggested that the crew may have contracted botulism from spoiled canned food, which could have been fatal without proper treatment.

💡Cannibalism

Cannibalism is the act of consuming the flesh or other parts of one's own species. In the context of the video, it refers to the extreme measures the crew of the Franklin expedition may have resorted to in order to survive, following the report by Sir John Rae based on Inuit accounts, which was initially met with disbelief and outrage by the British public and the Admiralty.

💡Supernatural monster

In the context of the video, a supernatural monster refers to the fictional creature featured in the horror miniseries 'The Terror,' which is based on Dan Simmons' book. While the historical account of the Franklin expedition does not include such a creature, the show incorporates this element for dramatic effect, although it is noted as a point of departure from historical accuracy in the review.

💡Polar bear

A polar bear is the largest land carnivore found in the Arctic region, known for its white fur and powerful build. Polar bears are one of the few land animals that actively hunt humans and are well-adapted to their icy environment. In the video, the reviewer suggests that the show's supernatural monster could have been more realistically replaced with a polar bear, given their presence and danger in the Arctic.

💡CuriousityStream

CuriosityStream is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a wide range of documentaries across various topics, including history. In the video, it is mentioned as a platform where viewers can access documentaries related to the Arctic and the Franklin expedition, with a promotional offer for history buffs to sign up for a free trial.

Highlights

The review is about the book 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons, which tells the story of a British Arctic expedition that went horribly wrong.

In the early 19th century, most of the world's oceans had been explored, but the fabled Northwest Passage remained a mystery.

The British Royal Navy launched two of the most technologically advanced ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, in 1845 to find the Northwest Passage.

Despite their preparations, the ships disappeared, and the horror miniseries 'The Terror' explores why this happened.

The Arctic conditions during winter are extreme, with no sun for weeks, and temperatures dropping to minus 40 and below.

HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were modified with extra planking, watertight compartments, and central heating to withstand the pressure from ice.

The ships were fitted with iron sheeting and enormous steam engines that drove a screw-shaped propeller for propulsion through ice.

The crew had access to canned food, a new invention at the time, which was meant to solve the problem of feeding men on long expeditions.

Captain Sir John Franklin, despite his enthusiasm for exploration, had a history of leading poorly planned expeditions with disastrous outcomes.

The expedition faced extreme conditions, including the loss of crew members to diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia, and potential lead poisoning from canned food.

The crew resorted to desperate measures, such as cannibalism, in their struggle for survival in the Arctic.

The story of the Franklin expedition captured the public imagination for over a century and a half, leading to continued interest and discovery.

The show 'The Terror' is praised for its historical accuracy and its ability to convey the dread and horror of the expedition's fate.

Despite some minor inaccuracies, 'The Terror' is recommended for its respectful portrayal of history and its effective blend of horror with real events.

The discovery of the shipwrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror in 2014 and 2016 confirmed the historical significance of the expedition and provided a sense of closure.

The review concludes by recommending the show 'The Terror' for its engaging storytelling and its unique blend of historical fact with fiction.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Arctic Expedition Historical Horror Franklin's Fate Nautical Mystery 19th Century British Navy Northwest Passage Lead Poisoning Scurvy Cannibalism