1959 Tibetan uprising

1959 Tibetan uprising
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Name	1959 Tibetan uprising
Date	March 10 – March 21, 1959
Location	Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

1959 Tibetan uprising. The 1959 Tibetan uprising, also known as the Lhasa uprising, was a popular protest and riot that took place in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, from March 10 to March 21, 1959. The uprising was sparked by a series of events, including the Dalai Lama's planned visit to India and the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) increasing presence in Tibet. The uprising ultimately led to the Dalai Lama's escape to India and a significant change in the relationship between Tibet and China.

Background

The Tibetan plateau had been under Chinese control since the Qing dynasty, but in 1912, Tibet declared its independence under the 13th Dalai Lama. In 1951, the Seventeen Point Agreement was signed between the Tibetan government and the Communist Party of China, which made Tibet a part of China. However, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government had limited control over the region, and the PLA was stationed in Lhasa to maintain order.

Causes of the Uprising

The Dalai Lama's planned visit to India was seen as a threat by the Chinese government, which suspected that the Dalai Lama was seeking independence for Tibet. The PLA was ordered to prevent the Dalai Lama from leaving Tibet, and a series of rumors and misinformation spread throughout Lhasa, fueling tensions between the Tibetan people and the PLA. On March 10, 1959, a group of Tibetan protesters gathered outside the Norbulingka Palace, where the Dalai Lama was staying, to prevent him from being taken away by the PLA.

The Uprising

The protest quickly turned violent, with Tibetan protesters clashing with the PLA. The PLA responded with force, and the protest spread throughout Lhasa, with Tibetan protesters attacking PLA soldiers and Chinese-owned businesses. The uprising lasted for several days, with both sides suffering casualties. The Dalai Lama attempted to negotiate with the Chinese government, but ultimately decided to escape to India.

Dalai Lama's Escape

On March 17, 1959, the Dalai Lama disguised himself as a soldier and escaped from Lhasa with a small group of loyalists. They traveled through the Himalayas to India, where they were granted asylum by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Dalai Lama's escape was seen as a significant blow to the Chinese government, which had been trying to maintain control over Tibet.

Aftermath

The 1959 Tibetan uprising had significant consequences for Tibet and the Dalai Lama. The uprising led to a crackdown by the PLA, with many Tibetan protesters being arrested and executed. The Dalai Lama was forced to live in exile in India, where he continued to advocate for Tibetan independence. The uprising also led to a significant change in the relationship between Tibet and China, with Tibet becoming a autonomous region under Chinese control.

International Response

The 1959 Tibetan uprising received international attention, with many countries condemning the Chinese government's actions in Tibet. The United Nations passed a resolution calling for the protection of human rights in Tibet, but China vetoed the resolution. The uprising also led to a significant increase in support for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan independence movement around the world. India, United States, and other countries provided aid and support to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.

Category:1959 Tibetan uprising