Britain’s Invasion of Tibet

Britain's Invasion of Tibet – The Western Imperialist Powers' Aggression

Tibet history during the period of the invasion of British and Russian imperialist power can be roughly divided into several stages. Firstly, the early West preachers' activities started at the end of the Ming Dynasty, which have provided the preparation for the expanding and invasion of West imperialist power. Secondly, British invaded India and Nepal which meant the extremely threat of Tibet region of the south of China. During the time when British invaded India and Nepal, Qing Dynasty rejected to rescue without being realized of its importance while the Qing Dynasty government's weak. Thirdly, after the First Opium War, British and other countries' people camouflaged to came into Tibet region as the explorers to collect Tibet data preparing for the twice invasions.

Britain's Invasion of Tibet – The Resistance of Tibetan People

Tibetan people resolutely resist aggression of Britain and India headed by 13th Dalai Lama. The sentry posts defended by more than 200 Tibetan soldiers have been built in 1884 while the Qing Dynasty compromised. Since the assault has been launched suddenly by British in February 1888, Qing Dynasty signed two unjust treaties with British respectively in 1890 and 1893 losing the large area of manors, in spite of Chinese people's resistance.

During the year of 1900 and 1902, British invaded Tibet regions several times with small riots after the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, preparing for the new military offensive of Tibet region. In March 1904, British invaded Tibet region again destroying Nainying Temple, Zijin Temple and Palkor Monastery, which was strongly resisted by Tibetan people from May to July. However British occupied Lhasa in 3rd August while the 13th Dalai Lama fled to Outer Mongolia from Lhasa, the regent, Blon and the representatives of three famous temples of Tibet region, Drepung Monastery, Gandan Monastery and Sera Monastery.

Britain's Invasion of Tibet – Under the Control of Qing Dynasty Central Government

After the twice Britain's invasions, the Qing Dynasty of compromise policy and Tibetan officials have been blamed by Chinese people while Qing's government concerned the importance of Tibetan event. The last Tibetan official was accused of the weakness during the war and the corruption by Zhang Monton who was appointed by Qing's government due to consolidate the rule of Tibet region, moreover, Zhang Monton proposed the political and economic reform by training military army which accepted by Qing's government.

In November 1907, the 13th Dalai Lama came back to Beijing from Outer Mongolia and returned to Tibet by the end of 1908 when Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu died.