Did Cannibalism Doom the Franklin Expedition?
Synopsis
All 129 crew members of the Franklin Expedition perished after their ships became trapped in ice during their quest for the Northwest Passage in 1845.
Synopsis
Sir John Franklin commanded the HMS Terror and HMS Arabis in 1845, embarking on a quest to find the Northwest Passage. The expedition, which included 129 crew members, ended in tragedy as all perished under mysterious circumstances. The documentary details the findings of explorer John Rae, who reported evidence of cannibalism among the crew based on Inuit accounts and artifacts. Despite his claims, Rae faced skepticism and backlash, including criticism from Charles Dickens, who defended Franklin's honor.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Find out what happened to the Franklin Expedition.
- See how Inuit accounts changed the narrative of the expedition.
- Meet John Rae, the explorer who uncovered the truth.
Did You Know
- The Franklin Expedition set sail in 1845 with two ships, the HMS Terror and HMS Arabis.
- Sir John Franklin was 59 years old when he led the expedition.
- Half of Franklin's crew died in his first expedition due to starvation.
- John Rae's report on the expedition reached London before he did.
- Many people refused to believe that Royal Navy men would resort to cannibalism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who commanded the Franklin Expedition?
The Franklin Expedition was commanded by Sir John Franklin.
What was the goal of the Franklin Expedition?
The goal of the Franklin Expedition was to find the Northwest Passage.
What happened to the crew of the Franklin Expedition?
The crew of the Franklin Expedition resorted to cannibalism, as suggested by evidence collected by explorer John Rae.
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