Tibet's reforms similar to Lincoln freeing slaves
Updated: 2015-04-11 09:57
By Zhang Yun(China Daily)
|
||||||||
To end the violent confrontation with backward forces, both countries chose to use force. And in both places there were furious class struggles and conflicts of interests between progressive and conservative forces when it came to the question of abolishing serfdom and slavery. The serfdom in Tibet and the slavery system in the US both were against the trend of history and created obstacles for national unity and solidarity.
The US' hard-won victory against slave owners in the south showed that only by abolishing slavery and freeing the slaves could the northern capitalist class led by then president Abraham Lincoln unite the country and turn it into a powerhouse.
The armed uprising which Tibet's manor lords plotted with the support of foreign forces in 1959 was aimed at not only maintaining the decayed serfdom in the region, but also at severing Tibet from China, similar to the American south seeking to split from the United States. In response, the central government had to take resolute measures not only to quell the rebellion but also to push forward sweeping democratic reforms and maintain national unity.
The abolition of slavery after the northern forces triumphed in the American Civil War helped the US clear obstacles for its rapid capitalist development. For example, the settlement of the land issue for farmers accelerated the development of the US' vast western region, laying a solid foundation for its transformation into the most advanced capitalist country.
Similarly, democratic reforms in China's Tibet helped the region take a huge systematic leap, making local people masters of their lives and inspiring them to increase productivity. Given that a number of measures were usually taken by Tibet's manor lords and slave owners in the US to restrict the freedom of serfs and slaves and/or subject them to brutal physical torture, the slavery in the US and the serfdom in China's Tibet both were serious violations of human rights.
Also, the campaigns launched by the two countries to abolish serfdom and slavery, despite being different, followed the trend of history, made the social development process humane and promoted civilization and progress.
The author is director of the Institute of History Studies, affiliated to China Tibetology Research Center.
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |