During IGY negotiations in 1950, the USSR, US, and other major powers agree to conduct an intense investigation of the North Pole an the surrounding regions. Bases will be established on Novaya Zemalya, Greenland, Elesmere Island, Alaska, and other places located in the far North. Climatological, geological, oceanographical, and other studies will be made of the North. Plans are made to loft one or more satellites. Almost unnoticed in the discussions, Australia and New Zealand (with aid from the United Kingdom), Chile, and Argentina put forward plans to investigate Antarctica. They are ignored. Nevertheless, they push forward.
(OTL, the main push was for Antarctic exploration. McMurdo and many other important Antarctic bases were established in 1957-1958. Further, that led to the Antarctic treaty, which is not going to occur ITTL)
Thoughts?
(Yes, the title is shamelessly ripped from Charlie Stross. You'll see why I picked it once we get to the '80s)
(OTL, the main push was for Antarctic exploration. McMurdo and many other important Antarctic bases were established in 1957-1958. Further, that led to the Antarctic treaty, which is not going to occur ITTL)
Thoughts?
(Yes, the title is shamelessly ripped from Charlie Stross. You'll see why I picked it once we get to the '80s)