It is considered that Ross' influence, as well as the loss of the Franklin expedition in the Arctic, led to disinterest in polar inquiry, particularly by The Royal Society: the British-founded organization that helped oversee many Arctic explorations, including those that would be made by Shackleton and Scott.
Pengaruh Ross, serta hilangnya penjelajahan Franklin di Arktik, berujung pada kesalahpahaman dalam penyidikan kutub, terutama oleh The Royal Society: organisasi yang didirikan di Inggris tersebut membantu peninjauan beberapa penjelajahan Arktik, termasuk penjelajahan-penjelajahan yang kemudian dilakukan oleh Shackleton dan Scott.