History of British Invasions in Tibet

The history of British invasions in Tibet is a significant part of the colonial period in Asia, with two major expeditions that shaped Tibet’s modern history: the First British Expedition to Tibet (1903-1904) and the Second British Expedition to Tibet (1905). These expeditions were motivated by geopolitical, imperial, and strategic interests during a time when European powers were competing for influence in Asia, particularly in the region known as the “Great Game.”

1. The First British Expedition to Tibet (1903-1904)

The First British Expedition to Tibet was largely a result of British geopolitical concerns regarding Russian influence in Central Asia, particularly in neighboring areas such as British India and China. The “Great Game” was a term used to describe the political and diplomatic rivalry between the British and Russian empires in Central Asia. Tibet, which lay between British India and the Russian Empire, was seen as a crucial region for the balance of power.

Background and Motivations

  • British Concerns about Russian Expansion: The British were worried that Russia might use Tibet as a stepping stone to gain influence in India, which was a key part of the British Empire. Additionally, the British were concerned about Tibet’s status as a buffer zone between British India and China. The British government feared that if the region were left unchecked, it could lead to Russian expansionism in the region.

  • The British Mission: In the late 19th century and early 20th century, Britain was keen to assert its dominance over Tibet and bring it into its sphere of influence, while also opening up trade routes to the region. The British sought to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Tibetan government to counteract Russian and Chinese influence.

The 1903-1904 Invasion

In 1903, the British government, under the leadership of Colonel Francis Younghusband, launched an expedition into Tibet. Younghusband was tasked with negotiating a treaty and opening Tibet to British trade and influence. When Tibetan officials refused to meet the British demands, the British decided to use military force to achieve their objectives.

  • Marching into Tibet: The expedition began in 1903, and British forces entered Tibet via Sikkim (a region that was part of India). They traveled through difficult terrain, facing logistical challenges, including high altitudes and difficult weather conditions. The British forces included around 2,000 soldiers, supported by artillery and other military equipment.

  • The Battle of Guru: The British forces encountered strong resistance from Tibetan troops, particularly around the town of Guru (near the Chumbi Valley). Despite the tough resistance, the British managed to defeat the Tibetan army and march further into Tibet.

  • The Siege of Lhasa: The British eventually reached Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, where the Tibetan government was located. The siege of Lhasa was marked by tensions, as the Tibetans initially tried to defend their city. However, faced with overwhelming British military power, the Tibetan leaders, including the 14th Dalai Lama, fled the city.

The Treaty of Lhasa (1904)

After a series of skirmishes, the British captured Lhasa and forced the Tibetan government to sign the Treaty of Lhasa in September 1904. The treaty was designed to grant the British several political and commercial concessions, including the establishment of a British diplomatic mission in Lhasa, the opening of trade routes, and the right to send British officials to the region.

  • Concessions to Britain: The Treaty of Lhasa had several stipulations, including the payment of a large indemnity to Britain and the recognition of British interests in Tibet. The British also required Tibet to accept the political and diplomatic oversight of British India, particularly regarding relations with foreign powers like China and Russia.

  • Diplomatic Fallout: The British invasion of Tibet, while successful in achieving its immediate objectives, created long-term diplomatic tensions. The invasion and the treaty were condemned by both China and Russia, and the relationship between Tibet and Britain, although now formalized, was fraught with distrust.

Impact and Consequences

  • Tibet’s Status: The Treaty of Lhasa did not recognize Tibet as a part of the British Empire, but it placed Tibet under British influence. Tibet continued to exist as a de facto independent region but was now closely monitored by British authorities.

  • Chinese Reaction: At the time, China was undergoing significant political turmoil, with the Qing Dynasty in decline. The Chinese government protested the British invasion of Tibet but was too weak to effectively intervene. The Qing Dynasty’s inability to defend Tibet contributed to the perception of Chinese weakness in the region.

  • Tibetan Resistance: Although the British forces succeeded militarily, the invasion sparked resentment and long-lasting animosity between Tibet and Britain. The Tibetan leadership, particularly the Dalai Lama, saw the British expedition as a violation of Tibet’s sovereignty.

2. The Second British Expedition to Tibet (1905)

After the successful military intervention in 1904, Britain continued to exert influence over Tibet. However, in the aftermath of the invasion, the political and diplomatic situation in Tibet remained volatile. The British had achieved their immediate goals, but the region was still unsettled.

The Background

  • Tibet’s Growing Resistance: After the Treaty of Lhasa was signed in 1904, there was a growing sense of resentment in Tibet against British influence. The Dalai Lama, who had fled during the British occupation, continued to resist British control. The British authorities in India were concerned that Tibet might seek closer ties with Russia or China, which could undermine British interests in the region.

  • A New Expedition: In 1905, the British sent a second expedition to Tibet to reassert control and ensure that Tibet would continue to follow British diplomatic and commercial guidelines.

  • Diplomatic Mission: The British approached the expedition more diplomatically than militarily, seeking to stabilize the region and prevent any further unrest. This mission also aimed to consolidate British power in the region and re-establish relations between Tibet and the British Empire after the chaos of the previous invasion.

Outcome and Long-Term Impact

  • Tibetan Independence: Although the British were successful in their initial objectives, they faced continued resistance from the Tibetan leadership, who sought to maintain their independence. The second expedition did not result in direct military confrontation, but it reaffirmed Britain’s desire to control Tibet’s foreign relations.

  • Tibet and China: After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 and the rise of the Republic of China, Tibet declared independence. However, China considered Tibet a part of its sovereign territory, and the British government’s support for Tibetan independence waned after World War I, when British priorities shifted.

The British invasions of Tibet in the early 20th century were key events that shaped Tibet’s relationship with both China and the British Empire. The First British Expedition (1903-1904) established British influence over Tibet through military force, while the Second Expedition (1905) aimed to stabilize and solidify British control. These invasions and their aftermath had significant geopolitical consequences, particularly with regard to Tibet’s status in relation to China and the British Empire.

While the invasions did not result in British colonization of Tibet, they did place Tibet under British influence and were part of the larger Great Game between Britain and Russia. They also contributed to Tibet’s complex and turbulent political history, which continues to influence its status and relations with China to this day.