Part 94

Explore the historical and political evolution of Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, and Lhasa in Civilization V. Learn about their founding, key events, and significance.

This section details the historical backgrounds of three distinct cities: Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, and Lhasa. Each entry provides founding information, geographical context, population, and a narrative of their development through various historical periods, including political shifts, conflicts, and cultural influences.

Geneva

Geneva's history is marked by its struggle for independence and religious identity. Initially under the influence of Savoyard dukes and Catholic bishops, the city allied with the Protestant state of Bern in 1536, declaring itself a Protestant sovereignty. This move, while empowering the citizens, alienated it from surrounding Catholic populations. The Protestant reformer John Calvin resided there for thirty years, solidifying its status as a Protestant stronghold, though parts reverted to Catholicism by the 17th century. Geneva was briefly annexed by France during the French Revolution. In 1814, it joined the Swiss Confederation, with its jurisdiction expanded to include fifteen neighboring Savoyard parishes, which were guaranteed protection from religious persecution in exchange for the city's neutrality. Tensions between Catholics and Protestants persisted until 1907 when the separation of Church and State was mandated. After World War I, Geneva became the seat of the League of Nations, earning the title "the international city." This status continued after World War II with the establishment of the European headquarters of the United Nations, fostering thriving tourism and business.

Kuala Lumpur

Founded in 1857 as a tin mining town in West Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur's original name, Pengkalan Lumpur, meant "bundle of mud," reflecting its marshy location between two rivers. Later renamed Kuala Lumpur, meaning "muddy confluence," the town developed into a trading post but faced constant challenges from disease, fires, and floods. Despite these issues, the state capital moved there in 1880 due to its strategic river and mine access. A devastating fire and flood in 1881 destroyed most wooden and thatch buildings, leading to a mandate for brick and tile construction. After rebuilding, Kuala Lumpur became the capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. The 20th century brought Japanese occupation during World War II, a collapse in tin prices, and a communist guerrilla war. In 1963, Malaysia gained independence, and Kuala Lumpur became its new capital. Today, it is Malaysia's largest city, known for its modern skyline, including the former world's tallest Petronas Twin Towers, and serves as an economic and cultural hub with strong industrial and tourist sectors.

Lhasa

Lhasa, founded in the 7th Century AD, is situated nearly 12,000 ft above sea level in South-Central Tibet. Its name, meaning "place of the gods," replaced the earlier Rasa ("goat's place"). The city became the capital of the Tibetan Empire in 637 AD under Songstan Gampo, who converted to Buddhism and initiated the construction of religious sites. While its political power declined with the dissolution of the monarchy in the 9th century, Lhasa grew as a religious center, with the first Dalai Lama rising to prominence in 1391. In 1642, the fifth Dalai Lama unified Tibetan tribes, establishing Lhasa as both the spiritual and political capital. By the early 20th century, nearly half of Lhasa's population were Buddhist monks. In 1950, China invaded Tibet, leading to the 14th Dalai Lama's exile. The event, termed a "peaceful liberation" by China but an invasion by Tibetans and others, resulted in protests by monks and nuns, leading to restrictions on monasteries and re-education programs aimed at aligning Buddhists with Communist views and denouncing the Dalai Lama.