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Khmer Rouge is Founded
The Khmer Rouge, also known as Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK), is formed out of opposition to the king of Cambodia, King Sihanouk. Their leader was Pol Pot. This group is responsible for the impending genocide and communization of Cambodia. -
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The Rise and Fall of the Khmer Rouge; Cambodian History's turning point
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The Khmer Rouge Begins Armed Rebellion
The Khmer Rouge began an armed rebellion ,which would be known as the Cambodian Civil War. -
Deposition of Prince Sihanouk
Marshal Lon Nol, a Cambodian politician who had previously served as prime minister, staged a successful coup to depose Prince Sihanouk as head of state. -
Khmer Rouge Continues Civil War Aided by United States
Aided by the United States, the Khmer Rouge drop nearly a half a million tons of bombs on Cambodia from January to August in an effort to overthrow the government. About 300,000 people were kiled by the U.S. backed bombings. -
Nearly 85 Percent of Cambodia is in the Khmer Rouge's Control
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Khmer Rouge forces take over Cambodia's Capital Phnom Penh; The War Ends
Khmer Rouge forces entered the capital city of Phnom Penh and assume control of Cambodia. Cambodia now belong to Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge -
Cambodia's Turning Point: "Year Zero"
Days after taking control of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge forced all city dwellers to movie to rural farms. Pol Pot declared this to be the start of "Year Zero", or Cambodias new begining. Anyone with ties to the previous government or educated proffesions were persicuted and executed. "Year Zero" marked the Begining of the genocide. -
S-21 interogation prison created
A local high school in Phnom Penh is converted into what will become the notorious S-21 or Tuol Sleng prison and interrogation center. Between 1975 and 1979, roughly 17,000 people thought to be traitors were interogated and executed in the prison. Out of all the peopl who entered the prison, only 7 survived. -
The Khmer rouge leaders detail the "Four Year Plan"
Khmer Rouge leaders write their first four-year plan, which calls for a seizing all private property and establishes rice cultivation as a primary initiative. -
Khmer Rouge Leaders Reveal Themselves to The Public
For the first two years of Khmer Rouge rule, most Cambodians have no idea who is running the country. TheKhmer Rouge leaders pulled back the curtain in September 1977, when Saloth Sar, known as “Pol Pot,” introduces himself in a national radio broadcast. -
Fall of the Khmer Rouge
Vietnamese forces take Phnom Penh and the Khmer Rouge regime falls. Pol Pot continues to lead the Khmer Rouge as an insurgent movement until his death in 1997.
