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Inoculation and Colonization: British Medical Activities in Tibet and Their Significance (1900-1907)



Author(s)

TANG Yiyun

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2025.03.004

Minzu University of China, Beijing, China

In the early years of the 20th century, Britain sought to compete with Russia for dominance in East Asia, and set its sights on the strategic location of Tibet. Smallpox virus epidemics have been documented in Tibet since the 7th century, and smallpox remained a major public health issue in Tibet until the early 20th century. The British colonizers learned from their experience of passing on biological science and technology in India and carried out a series of medical activities in Tibet, the most influential of which was the smallpox vaccination for the people of Gyantse and other places. This paper examines the history of the fight against smallpox in Tibet from 1900 to 1907, and studies the historical process of British colonial expansion in Tibet, as well as the interaction between the Qing government and the British invaders in medical and healthcare events such as vaccination in Tibet.

smallpox vaccination, British colonization, Tibet, Qing government, medical diplomacy