What notable achievement is Robert E. Peary known for?

Robert E. Peary is widely recognized for being the first person to reach the North Pole. His expeditions during the early 20th century were pivotal in Arctic exploration, and the claim of reaching the North Pole on April 6, 1909, marked a significant milestone in the history of exploration. Peary's journey was characterized by harsh conditions and significant challenges, and it contributed to the understanding of the polar regions.

The other options refer to achievements that were accomplished by different individuals in the field of exploration. For instance, the first successful ascent of Mount Everest was achieved by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The notable expeditions across Antarctica were primarily led by explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. Lastly, the discovery of the South Pole is credited to Roald Amundsen, who reached it in 1911, a couple of years after Peary’s claimed achievement at the North Pole. Thus, Peary’s claim is distinct and well-documented, making it a notable and celebrated achievement in the history of exploration.