The History of Cambodia

  • Cambodia's Independence

    As King Sihanouk traveled to countries such as the U.S and Canada gaining the support of them, the French were already fighting against Vietnam unwilling to fight two wars at once they negotiated peace and on November 19, 1953 Cambodia was a free country.
  • Sihanouk Advocates

    Sihanouk gives up his throne to pursue a political career. His father becomes king and Sihanouk becomes prime minister.
  • Sihanouk Father's Death

    On April 3, 1960 Sihanouk's father died and Sihanouk took the throne.
  • King Sihanouk Overthrown

    On March 18, 1970 King Sihanouk was overthrown by General Lon Nol who established a republic
  • Cambodian Civil War Begins

    The Cambodian Civil War was a conflict between the communists Khmer Rouge and and Cambodian government from 1967-1975. In the end the communists won.
  • Cambodian Civil War Ending

    When Khmer Rouge allied with Sihanouk they were able to win the war establishing the Kingdom of Cambodia.
  • Cambodian and Vietnam War

    A war against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Democratic Kampuchea. The Vietnamese captured Phnom Penh as the Khmer Rouge leaders fled.
  • Vietnam Troops Withdraw

    The last troops withdrew from Cambodia.
  • Sihanouk Returned to the Throne

    Cambodia held free elections the constitution was ratified and Cambodia's monarchy was restored Sihanouk became the leader once more.
  • Death of Pol Pot

    After suffering from a heart attack Pol Pot died.
  • Nationalist Riots

    On January 29, 2003 Nationalist riots destroyed the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.
  • Sihanouk Abdicated

    Sihanouk crowns his son Norodom Sihanouk as his successor
  • Death of Ta Mok

    Ta Mok one of the top leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime dies at age 80.
  • Nuon Chea Arrested

    On September 19, 2007 Nuon Chea- "Brother Number Two" was arrested and charged with crimes against humanity.
  • Two Killed on Thai-Cambodian Border

    Two Cambodian soldiers die in an exchange of fire with Thai troops.
  • Comrade Such found Guilty

    Comrade Duch is guilty of crimes against humanity and given 35 years in prison.
  • Sam Rainsy Arrested

    Sam Rainsy is sentenced to 10 years in jail after manipulating a map to trick Cambodia into thinking it was losing land to Vietnam.
  • Thai Citizens Arrested

    Cambodia charges two Thai citizens with spying after they were arrested for crossing the disputed border.
  • Cambodia and Thailand Withdraw Troops

    Cambodia and Thailand agree to withdraw troops from disputed area.
  • King Norodom Sihanouk Dies

    Norodom Sihanouk's died in 2012 after a heart attack.
  • Lese-Majeste Law

    Cambodia applies the lese-majeste law, which makes it a criminal offence to defame or insult the king.