Russian pioneers and travelers of the 19th century. The largest geographical discoveries

Russian pioneers and travelers of the 19th century made a number of outstanding discoveries, which became the property of not only Russian, but also foreign, world science. In addition, they have made a significant contribution to the development of national knowledge and have done a great deal to help prepare new personnel for the development of marine research.

Prerequisites

Russian discoverers and travelers of the 19th century carried out their discoveries in many ways because in this century the need to search for new trade routes and opportunities to support Russia's connection with other countries was identified. At the end of the XVIII - beginning of the XIX century, our country finally strengthened its status in the international arena as a world power. Naturally, this new position has expanded its geopolitical space, which required new studies of the seas, islands and ocean coasts for the construction of ports, ships and the development of trade with foreign countries.

Russian pioneers and travelers of the 19th century took place as talented seafarers just when our country achieved access to the two seas: the Baltic and the Black. And this is not accidental. This opened up new prospects for marine research and gave impetus to the construction and development of fleets, maritime affairs in general. Therefore it is not surprising that already in the first decades of the century under consideration, the Russian pioneers and travelers of the 19th century carried out a number of outstanding studies that significantly enriched Russian geographical science.

Plan of the round-the-world expedition

Such a project became possible largely due to the successful military actions of our country in the late 18th century. At this time, Russia got the opportunity to build its fleet on the Black Sea, which, of course, should stimulate the sea business. Russian navigators at this time seriously thought about laying convenient trade routes. This was further facilitated by the fact that our country owned Alaska in North America. It also needed to maintain constant ties and develop economic cooperation.

I.F. Kruzenshtern at the end of the XVIII century presented a plan for a round-the-world expedition. But then he was rejected. But already in a few years, after the reign of Alexander I, the Russian government showed interest in the plan. He received approval.

Preparation

I.F. Krusenstern came from a noble family. He studied at the Kronstadt Naval Corps and, as his pupil, took part in the war against Sweden, having proved himself well at that time. After that, he was sent to an internship in England, where he received an excellent education. Upon his return to Russia, he presented a plan for a round-the-world expedition. Having received approval, carefully prepared for it, bought the best instruments and equipped the ships.

His closest assistant in this case was his friend Yuri Fedorovich Lisyansky. With him, he became friends in the cadet corps. A friend also perfectly proved himself as a talented naval officer during the Russo-Swedish war of 1788-1790. Soon two ships were being equipped under the names "Neva" and "Nadezhda". The last was led by Count Nikolai Rezanov, who became famous thanks to the famous rock opera. The expedition set sail in 1803. Its goal was to explore and explore the possibility of opening new trade routes from Russia to China and the coast of North American territory.

Swimming

Russian navigators rounded Cape Horn and, going to the Pacific Ocean, divided. Yury Fedorovich Lisyansky led his ship to the North American shores, where the merchant Russian city of Novo-Arkhangelsk, captured by the Indians, was repulsed. During this voyage, he also spent the first time in the history of sailing a sailing ship around South Africa.

The ship "Nadezhda" headed by Kruzenshtern went to the Sea of Japan. The merit of this researcher is that he carefully studied the shores of Sakhalin Island and made significant changes to the map. The main purpose of the trip was to investigate the mouth of the Amur River, what the leadership of the Pacific Fleet had long been interested in. Kruzenshtern entered the Amur estuary, after which, after exploring the banks of Kamchatka, he returned to his homeland.

The contribution of Krusenstern to science

Travelers of Russia significantly advanced Russian geographical science, bringing it to the world level of development. This expedition drew the attention of the general public. After the end of the tour, both wrote books in which the results of their research were presented. Kruzenshtern published The Journey around the World, but of particular importance is the Atlas released with hydrographic applications. He filled many white spots on the map, conducted valuable studies of the seas and oceans. So, he studied the pressure and temperature of the water, sea currents, tides.

Social activity

His further career was closely connected with the naval corps, where he was first identified by the inspector. Subsequently, he began to teach there, and then generally headed it. On his initiative, the Higher Officer Classes were created. Later they were transformed into the Naval Academy. Krusenstern introduced new disciplines into the teaching process. This significantly increased the qualitative level of teaching marine affairs.

In addition, he helped organize other expeditions, in particular, assisted the plans of another prominent researcher O. Kotzebue. Kruzenshtern took part in the creation of the famous Russian Geographical Society, which was destined to take one of the leading places not only in Russian, but also in world science. Of particular importance for the development of geography was the "Atlas of the South Sea" he had issued.

Preparation of a new expedition

Kruzenshtern, a few years after his journey, insisted on a thorough exploration of the southern latitudes. He proposed equipping two expeditions to the North and South Poles with two ships each. Prior to this, seafarer D. Cook almost came close to the Antarctic, but further to get in the way the ice prevented him. Then the famous traveler suggested that the sixth continent either does not exist, or it is impossible to get to it.

In 1819, the Russian leadership decided to equip a new squadron for sailing. Thaddeus Faddeevich Bellingshausen, after a series of delays, was appointed its leader. It was decided to build two ships: Mirny and Vostok. The first was designed according to the plan of Russian scientists. It was strong and waterproof. However, the second, built in the UK, was less stable, so it had to be remade, rebuilt and repaired many times. Preparation and construction was supervised by Mikhail Lazarev, who complained about this discrepancy between the two ships.

Journey to the south

The new expedition set off in 1819. She reached Brazil and, circling the mainland, went to the Sandwich Islands. In January 1820, the Russian expedition opened the sixth continent - Antarctica. During the maneuvers around it, many islands were discovered and described. Among the most significant discoveries can be called the island of Peter I, the coast of Alexander I. Having made the necessary description of the shores, as well as sketches of animals seen on the new continent, Thaddeus Faddeevich Bellingshausen sailed back.

During the expedition, in addition to discovering Antarctica, other discoveries were made. For example, participants found that Sandwich Land is a whole archipelago. In addition, the island of South Georgia was described. Of particular importance are descriptions of the new continent. From his ship, Mikhail Lazarev had the opportunity to observe better for the earth, so his conclusions are of particular value for science.

The significance of discoveries

The expedition of 1819-1821 was of great importance for the domestic and world geographical science. The discovery of a new, sixth continent, turned the notion of the geography of the Earth. Both travelers published the results of their study in two volumes with an atlas attached and the necessary instructions. During the trip, about thirty islands were described, magnificent sketches of species of Antarctica and its fauna were made. In addition, the expedition gathered a unique ethnographic collection, which is stored at the Kazan University.

Further activities

Bellingshausen subsequently continued his naval career. He participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1828-1829, commanded the Baltic Fleet, and then was appointed governor of Kronstadt. An indicator of recognition of his merits is the fact that his name is given to a number of geographic objects. First of all, we should mention the sea in the Pacific Ocean.

Lazarev also distinguished himself after his famous trip to Antarctica. He was appointed commander of an expedition to protect the shores of Russian America from smugglers, with which he successfully coped. Subsequently, he commanded the Black Sea fleet, participated in the Navarino battle, for which he was awarded several awards. So, the great pioneers from Russia also make their outstanding contribution to the development of geography.