(Author's Note: The following is a brief history of Tibet from the early 1900s until present day. It may appear, at a later date, as part of a book or larger publication on the issues faced by Tibetans living in exile.)

Tibet: 1900-1949

Tibet maintained a voluntary isolation up until the beginning of the 20th century, with the great game. Tibet, which had been largely ignored, suddenly gained great importance in the eyes of the word. It stood in the middle of China, Russia and British-Ruled India. The British believed that Russia was sending agents into Tibet and thus decided to send a mission to Lhasa to meet with the 13th Dalai Lama and forge a treaty.

Francis Younghusband was chosen to lead the expedition to Lhasa. Along the route, Tibetan troupes attempted to stop what they saw as an invasion of their country. Badly armed and with little military experience, the Tibetan soldiers were crushed, with some nine hundred casualties. When the expedition finally arrived at Lhasa, they discovered that the 13th Dalai Lama had fled to Mongolia. An agreement was made with delegates in Lhasa which barred foreign agents from entering Tibet, but allowed for a British trade station to be set up in Gyantse. For many British it was a great disappointment as they had come to find Russians in Lhasa, but none were present.

In 1912, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet yet again, but this time it was from invading Nationalist Chinese forces. While the invasion was easily fought off, the Dalai Lama realized that Tibet needed to formalize its independence, which had previously been assumed. Tibetan independence was officially declared in 1912. These incidents affirmed the Tibetans belief that foreign interaction was a bad thing that should be avoided. This belief was encouraged when the Dalai Lama issued the following statement:

It may happen that here in Tibet, religion and government will be attacked both from without and within. Unless we guard our own country, it will happen that the Dalai and Panchen Lamas, the Father and the Son, and all the revered holders of the Faith, will disappear and become nameless . Monks and their monasteries will be destroyed. The rule of law will be weakened. The lands and property of government officials will be seized. They themselves will be forced to serve their enemies or wander the country like beggars. All beings will be sunk in great hardship and overwhelming fear; the days and nights will drag on

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tibet vs China: Quest for freedom?
We want to hear your view. Write now!