Socio-Economic Development of Tibet (Part 2)

Abstract

The previous article on the socio-economic development of Tibet (RCF, No. 1, 2022) analyzed the first stage (1951–1959), during which the central authorities of the PRC limited their participation in the life of the region to the provision of assistance, without interfering in internal affairs. After the reactionary rebellion in March 1959, inspired by the US CIA, Tibet began to implement social and economic reforms. This stage continued until May 1966, when a «cultural revolution» broke out throughout China. This article explored the second stage in the development of the modern Tibet Autonomous Region (1959–1966), in which, after the suppression of the reactionary rebellion, administrative and socio-economic reforms began. We analyzed two stages of social transformations - the process of collectivization of agriculture, further strengthening of the transport and energy infrastructure, as well as the development of education, health and culture.