History: April 6 (#1)

History: April 6 (#1)
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
April 6, 1909 Robert Peary and Matthew Henson become the first people to reach the North Pole; Peary's claim has been disputed because of failings in his navigational ability.

Commentary

Commentary

On April 6, in the year 1909: Robert Peary and Matthew Henson become the first people to reach the North Pole; Peary's claim has been disputed because of failings in his navigational ability. Matthew Alexander Henson was a n African-American explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on seven voyages to the Arctic over a period of nearly 23 years. Why April 6, 1909 matters: Robert Peary and Matthew Henson become the first people to reach the North Pole; Peary's claim has been disputed because of failings in his navigational ability. What began on this day left a lasting mark on history. The effects were felt immediately and continued to shape events, ideas, and lives long afterwards. Historical context: April 6, 1909 The 20th century brought rapid advances in health, communication, science, and technology that reshaped everyday human experience. The event on this day: Robert Peary and Matthew Henson become the first people to reach the North Pole; Peary's claim has been disputed because of failings in his navigational ability. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henson (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)