The History of Cambodia

By guyerams

  • Cambodia Became Independent

    The French allowed Cambodia to become fully independent.

  • Sihanouk Abdicated in Favor of His Father

    Sihanouk abdicated in favor of his father and elections were held.

  • Sihanouk's Name and Movement

    When Sihanouk's father died, he named himself 'Chief of State'. Sihanouk called his movement 'Buddhist Socialism.'

  • Sihanouk's Reign Crumbles and the Beginning of the Civil War

    Sihanouk's reign began to crumble in 1968 when the communists began the civil war.

  • Removed and Renamed

    Sihanouk left the country. While he was away the National Assembly voted to remove him as chief of state. Cambodia was renamed the Khmer Republic.

  • A Horrific and Tragic Era

    In 1975 a horrific and tragic era of Cambodian history began in the reign of the Khmer Rouge. They were led by Pol Pot. Pol Pot declared that history would begin again in Cambodia. The first year of revolution was now the first year of history.

  • Cambodia Was Made Into a Agricultural Country

    In 1975 Cambodia was mainly a agricultural country. Pol Pot decided it should be completely agricultural.

  • Americans Bombed the Communists and the Communists Captured Phnom Penh

    The communists slowly made headway. The Americans bombed Cambodia to try and stop the communists. Nevertheless they captured Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975.

  • Vietnamese Invaded Cambodia

    The Vietnamese invaded Cambodia in December 1978 and quickly prevailed.

  • Vietnamese Withdrew From Cambodia

    The Vietnamese forces withdrew from Cambodia in 1989.

  • Paris Peace Accords

    Negotiations began among several different parties. The result was the Paris Peace Accords of 1991.

  • Communism Was Abandoned and Election Were Held

    Communism was abandoned in Cambodia and a provisional government ruled until 1993 when elections were held and a constitution was framed. Sihanouk was made a constitutional monarch.

  • Khmer Rouge Refused

    However the Khmer Rouge refused to take part in the elections and they continued their guerrilla war. Fortunately in 1996 Pol Pot's second in command Ieng Sary defected in 1996.

  • Pol Pot Died

    Pol Pot himself died in 1998 and peace returned to Cambodia.

  • Cambodia Joined ASEAN

    In 1999 Cambodia joined ASEAN.

  • King Norodom Sihanouk Abdicated

    In 2004 King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated. His son became King Norodom Sihamoni in his place.

  • Oil Was Discovered

    In 2005 oil was discovered in the sea off Cambodia and it holds great promise for the future.

  • Parliament Votes

    Parliament votes to abolish prison terms for defamation.

  • Backed Tribunals

    Backed tribunals begin questioning Khmer Rouge suspects about allegations of genocide.

  • CPP Claims Victory

    Hun Sen's ruling CPP claims victory in parliamentary elections criticised by EU monitors. Cambodia and Thailand move troops to disputed land near Preah Vihear temple after decision to list it as UN World Heritage Site fans nationalist sentiment on both sides.