Until 1950 Tibet was autonomous. Though People’s Republic of China denies there are many proves, such as coins and maps.

Some facts:

• In 1950 People’s Republic of China invaded Tibet. Tibetans had no chance against the big Chinese army. 1 million Tibetans were killed; thousands of monasteries were destructed.
• Despite many requests for help by the young Dalai Lama western countries didn’t support Tibet.
• Mao Zedong prohibited Tibetan religion. He said Buddhism to be a poison for Tibet for two reasons:
  1. Delay of economic development.
  2. Celibacy of monks and nuns.

• The Dalai Lama went to India to ask for support, but his request was rejected. He returned disappointed.
• Afterwards the Dalai Lama was invited for a theatrical performance in a Chinese military camp outside of Lhasa. He was instructed to come alone. He didn’t go and Mao Zedong impeached him of high treason.
• His life hanging by a thread the Dalai Lama fled to India on 17 March 1959. He didn’t want to give up his spiritual leadership. Since then he lives in Dharamsala as an exile.
• In Tibet Tibetan laws and rights were abolished, cultural heritage was destructed. Buddhism was forbidden. Even the property of a picture of the Dalai Lama got punishable, and still is! Breakers risked years of torture in a Chinese prisoner’s camp.
• Chinese people look upon Tibetans as no human beings. Education is given only in Chinese. Children don’t get lessons in their own language and are considered as very silly.
• Many Tibetan children don’t have access to education at all, or their parents cannot pay the towering school fee.