Tibet’s Fight For Survival in the Modern World

TIBET AND COMMUNIST CHINA After Chinese Communists took over China in 1949, Tibet, in fear of Communism infusion, closed the Chinese liaison office in Tibet and ousted all the Chinese officials out of Tibet. At this time, the Communist Chinese stepped up the propaganda of “liberating” Tibet, as to the Chinese government, Tibet was historically part of China. The constant British involvement in Tibet might also have contributed to China’s determination in regaining control over Tibet and it accused Britain of attempting to separate Tibet from China. In 1950, China “liberated” Tibet. In 1959, Dalai Lama, after a few years under the harsh rule of the Chinese Red Army, fled to Northern India and started the chapter of the Tibetan Government in-exile.

Source Study Examine the sources An Agreement of the Central People’s Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet (Beijing 23 May 1951) Why Tibet?: History leading up to March 10th 1959

MIND MAP SUMMARY Create a summary of the main points in your source

MIND MAP SUMMARY Create a summary of the main points in your source

KNOWLEDGE QUIZ Write down the answers to the following questions What is the definition of a nation? What is the definition of hegemony? What is the definition of imperialism? What is the main argument that China uses for its claim to Tibet? When did the Chinese sign a treaty with Tibet that guaranteed its borders? Which dynasty succeeded the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in China? Which country played a leading role in Chinese-Tibetan politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? What is the capital of Tibet? Who is the leader of Tibet? What do the initials TAR stand for?

Quiz Answers What is the definition of a nation? People or race organised as a state What is the definition of hegemony? Leadership, political domination What is the definition of imperialism? Extension of empire, colonial empire What is the main argument that China uses for its claim to Tibet? That it has traditionally always been part of China; China is a land of diverse peoples When did the Chinese sign a treaty with Tibet that guaranteed its borders? 822 Which dynasty succeeded the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in China? Ming or Han Which country played a leading role in Chinese-Tibetan politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? Britain What is the capital of Tibet? Lhasa Who is the leader of Tibet? 14th Dalai Lama What do the initials TAR stand for? Tibet Autonomous Region

ASKING RELEVANT HISTORICAL QUESTIONS Historical Questions are those that are useful or necessary to ask in relation to an historical study Suitable responses include facts and supporting information China claims that Tibet is historically part of its domain, while Tibet refutes this claim. Which claim has the greatest merit? Write down 4 or 5 questions that will help you construct a suitable response. Answer the questions providing references for your facts and supporting data.