Millions of conflicts have occurred throughout history, many of which remain unresolved. These conflicts have each had an impact on the world today and have shaped, piece by piece, many aspects of life today. However, only a few conflicts threaten to destroy an entire culture. Conflicts like these are very intense and have many harmful effects on populations. The Aztec people encountered great conflict during the Spanish conquest after the arrival of Hernán Cortés in 1519 and the beginning of a systematic conquest of Aztec lands (Baer 2). This conquest was brutal for the Aztecs, as it took away their rights, their gold and established a Spanish civilization directly over the existing indigenous civilization (Baer 3). Although the conquest brought Spain new wealth and resources, it led to the disappearance of Aztec culture, leaving only a small population of Aztecs today (Baer 13). Events like this have destroyed civilizations and cultures and a similar problem is happening in China. Tibet has had numerous problems with China since the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, and Tibet continues to experience protests, riots and self-immolations in defiance of China. These conflicts continue to have a heavy cultural and political impact on Tibet and China, but can be resolved through political compromise and international participation in order to preserve the culture based on current and past attempts. The current Tibetan conflict has roots that go back centuries. . Interaction between Tibet and the Chinese began in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty, when Tibet was considered a protectorate of China after the Chinese claimed power over them. Tibet's responsibility was to provide spiritual guidance to the emperors and receive political protection in return (Bajoria 2).During...... middle of paper......-Pacific. Np, March 10, 2009. Web. February 17, 2014. “Questions and Answers: China and the Tibetans.” BBC News: Asia-Pacific. Np, August 15, 2011. Web. February 17, 2014. .Raichelle, Allen. “Tibet: occupation and uprising. » Nd ABC-CLIO Modern world history. Internet. February 16, 2014. “British protesters mark anniversary of Tibetan uprising. » CNN News. Np, March 8, 2009. Web. February 17, 2014. Woeser, Tsering. “Tibet’s Enduring Challenge.” New York Times March 2, 2014: n. page. New York Times. Internet. March 17. 2014. .