The serf system in the old Tibet lasted from the 10^th century until the first half of the 20^th century. The lives of the serfs were horrific; the slave-owners often forced them to wear chains as they worked to stop any escape. 

 The serfs often had to carry their masters on their backs. After hard labor, the serfs even had to sleep in the same place with the livestock or dogs.

On May 23^rd, 1951, Tibet was peacefully liberated with the signing of the Agreement of the Central People's Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet (“17-Article Agreement” for short).

On October 16^th of the same year, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reached and were stationed in Lhasa as per the agreement.

When the advance contingent the eighteenth army of PLA reached Lhasa, Tibetan residents in all sectors of society gave them a warm welcome.

 In July of 1959, the Tibetan Workers’ Union and the Party Committee of the Military Region of Tibet selected almost 1000 party cadres to join in the democratic reform.

  

The democratic reform has completely abolished the chains of slavery enslaving the one million serfs of Tibet. The long-oppressed and abused serfs were now in control of their lives. Photo shows liberated serfs of Tajie Town of Dagzê County burn their usury and slave deed documents.

 
The first People’s Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region, China was held in Lhasa during September 1st – 9th, 1965, formally establishing the Tibet Autonomous Region. Photo shows the assembly hall of the opening ceremony of the People’s Congress.