History of Tibet

The history of Tibet dates back over thousands of years. Tibet flourished in 7th century AD and developed as a strong kingdom. Buddhism replaced the indigenous Bon religion. The surge of Buddhism continued throughout the 7th and 8th centuries. During this time the capital was established in Lhasa. The centuries that followed would see Tibet exist as more of a body of independent kingdoms.

The Tibetans began establishing relations with the Chinese as far back as the Tang Dynasty. The history of Tibet includes early peaceful relations with the Chinese. The Yuan Dynasty, which included the Mongols, created formal regulations for Tibet. During this period, Genghis Khan was the emporer. The Tibetans, acknowledged the Mongol`s power and tried to befriend them and make them their allies. They succeeded with this endeavor and became formally part of the Mongol-Chinese empire. The Potala Palace was also built during this time, by the 5th Dalai Lama.

The Mongols eventually fell to the Hans, which established the Ming Dynasty. The Tibetans continued to have successful relations during this time.

The Manchus later took power and established the Qing Dynasty. They took a similar role of that of the earlier Mongols. They could exercise military force for protection of the Dalai Lama in the event of a hostile takeover. They also established laws and regulations during this time in Tibet. The history of Tibet continued to be painted by Chinese influence.

During the mid 1800`s Britain(India) and Tibet had border and trade disputes with each other. By the early 1900`s, Britain invaded Tibet. Little did anyone know that the result of this, would soon spawn the beginning of the Tibet and China conflict. A major chapter in the history of Tibet would soon be written. Negotiations between the countries(Tibet and Britain) took place in the following years. In 1907, Britain, China and Russia formed a treaty which gave China sovereignty over Tibet. In 1910, began the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Due to the revolution in 1911, China pulled out of Tibet and Tibet would go on to claim its independence in 1913. A treaty was formed the following year in Simla, India. It was largely in favor of Britain and allowed them to exercise control over Tibet`s important issues. The Simla Convention, as it was called, involved Tibet, Britain, and China. The Chinese did not sign the agreement, hence preventing Britain to gain control over Tibet`s affairs. There is speculation that Britain may have masterminded the convention(treaty) to undermine China`s sovereignty over Tibet.

The Qing Dynasty fell during the revolution that began in 1911. Shortly thereafter, a handful of Tibetans began to rebel against the Chinese. During the years that followed, China was distracted by civil war and the anti-Japanese war.

Finally, after the formation of the People`s Republic of China in 1949, foreign imperialists continued to push for Tibet`s independence. The history of Tibet was once again repeating itself. China`s leader, Chairman Mao Zedong, acted swiftly by sending in troops to end the hostility. This would mark the invasion of Tibet. During this time, the foreign imperialists were expelled out of Tibet. The Chinese government initiated the 17 point agreement which was for the peaceful liberation of Tibet. This meant that the local power would remain under rule by the Dalai Lama, while major issues and international affairs would be governed by China.

As a result, major improvements took place in Tibet. These included transportation(building the first highways adjoining neighboring countries) and communications. These were subsidized by the central government of China. Economic and social reform also improved greatly during this period.

Conditions in Tibet during this time were less than stable. In 1965, the Tibet Autonomous Region was established. Despite continued trials and tribulations, the region further developed.

During the 1980`s many Chinese(Han) began to live in Tibet. Ethnic minorities began to live together harmoniously. The present condition of Tibet is one of peaceful coexistence with China. The history of Tibet included times of great accomplishment as well as times of great hardship. The future of the Tibet Autonomous Region looks bright and many positive changes continue to take place in this enchanted land.

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