History Of Cambodia Currently Essay Example

style="text-align: justify;">These temples not only attract tourists, but also instill pride in the Cambodian people. When the French came to Cambodia in 1863 with aspirations of turning it into "the Singapore of China" and gaining wealth, they discovered that Cambodia did not possess the anticipated riches, rendering their ambition a futile dream. Throughout their reign, the French focused on collecting taxes and exploiting the country's resources instead of striving to enhance living conditions in Cambodia.

Nevertheless, while the West and France were going through modernization, Cambodia did not experience the same level of progress. Consequently, the French's interactions with the Cambodian Nationalists were occasionally tumultuous. A notable incident occurred in 1916 when a tax revolt took place. Unlike the taxes collected in the three regions of Vietnam under French control, the French imposed higher taxes on the citizens of Cambodia. Consequently, thousands of peasants marched to Phnom Penh to petition King Sisowath for a decrease in their tax burden.

Despite the villagers’ revolt resulting in the death of a French official and the subsequent increase in French control over Cambodia, some positive changes were brought by the French. They constructed roads and railways to connect Phnom Penh to the Thai border via Battambang. The economic significance of rubber and corn cultivation led Battambang and Siemreab providence to become the main rice suppliers of Indochina.

During the 1920s, Cambodia enjoyed economic prosperity through the sale of corn and rubber. Sadly, this period of success was abruptly ended by the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 which led to a decrease in demand for these commodities. Prior to this downturn, Cambodia attracted immigrants

who were eager to benefit from its opportunities, as long as they embraced French authority and were prepared to work diligently. Consequently, Vietnamese immigrants swiftly became the primary workforce in Cambodia.

The Chinese population in Cambodia had a significant presence for many centuries, particularly in terms of commerce. These Chinese individuals were dominant in business even before the French arrived. Although the French imposed some limitations on the Chinese community, they continued to flourish and establish commercial networks that extended not only throughout Indochina but also back to China. In contrast to Vietnam, there was minimal civil unrest during this period.

The French believed they were capable of managing the Cambodian monarchy, which had become increasingly ceremonial by the 1930s. Despite minimal civil unrest, there was a noticeable surge in nationalism among the urban Khmer elite during this period. A major cause of resentment was the perception that the French favored the Vietnamese within Cambodia.

Early members of the nationalist movement, including Pazch Choeun and Son Ngoc Than, criticized the French colonial practices. They exposed corruption, dominance over Cambodia's economy, and perceived privilege of Vietnamese within Indochina. France's fortunes shifted during World War II when the Allied Army emerged victorious. However, former powers like Britain and France were left almost bankrupt due to their war efforts.

The French control over Indochina was weakened during this time as Japan exerted pressure on their control of Vietnam, temporarily displacing them from the region during the war. However, after Japan's defeat in WWII, the French regained their authority. Additionally, Japan successfully undermined France's hold on Cambodia through force and effective propaganda. In July 1942,

Japanese forces advocated for Asian control over Asia.

The French colonial administration in Cambodia was dissolved by the Japanese in March 1945, as part of their attempts to gain local support for their failing war effort. This had a major impact on Cambodian nationalists and led to Cambodia declaring its independence. On August 15, 1945, which coincided with Japan's surrender in WWII, Son Ngoc Thanh, a prominent supporter of independence and Cambodian nationalist, became the foreign prime minister. However, this victory did not last long.

After Japan's surrender, Cambodia lost its support and Thanh was arrested for collaborating with the Japanese. As a result, he was confined to his residence in France. The fate of Cambodia after World War II became uncertain. The Free French, led by Charles deGaulle, aimed to regain their influence in Indochina and maintain control over the region as they did prior to the war. Although the French made some concessions for a partially autonomous system, the Cambodian people no longer desired to remain a colony.

Cambodia had a brief period of independence from March to October 1945, which created a strong desire for self-governance. In order to achieve freedom, Cambodia negotiated with France, although it was not an easy or quick process. The French granted Cambodia permission in 1946 to create political parties and conduct elections to form a government that would assist the monarch in drafting the country's constitution. This led to the formation of the Democratic Party, led by Prince Yuthevong.

The Democratic Party supported the idea of a quick independence, democratic changes, and a parliamentary system. This agenda mainly attracted teachers, civil servants,

active members of the Buddhist priesthood, and anyone else who wanted a nation that was separate and self-governing, without foreign influence. In December 1947, elections took place and the Democratic Party achieved a decisive win. However, in the subsequent years, the party faced ongoing conflicts with the monarchy. Nevertheless, French control declined as their power in the country gradually decreased.

In 1953, Cambodia gained full independence from the French government, marking the end of French rule. However, the country faced difficult and chaotic years afterwards. During this time, horrifying events took place in the region. King Sihanouk stepped down and entered into a political career in March 1955, passing on power to his father. Later on, in May 1965, Sihanouk severed diplomatic ties with the United States as he favored closer relationships with Vietnam and China.

The United States' efforts in the region did not yield any advantages or enhance relations with Cambodia. In response to President Nixon's belief that the Vietcong received assistance from Cambodia, a bombing campaign was executed, resulting in the rise of the Khmer Rouge, a guerrilla movement. The Khmer Rouge gradually assumed power over rural regions and by March 1970, they were prepared to launch a coup and establish a republic.

Sihanouk relocated to China and stayed in exile, signaling the start of a somber era for Cambodia and a bleak period globally. The establishment of Cambodia's fresh military government encountered opposition from long-disenfranchised political factions within the country, including Pol Pot. Having received education in Paris, Pol Pot became enthralled by Marxism during his studies and returned to Cambodia in 1953 with the aim of aiding

the establishment of a covert communist movement.

Despite being pushed into the jungles by political rivals, Pol Pot formed the Khmer Rouge or Red Cambodians and engaged in guerrilla warfare against the ruling regime. Some Vietnamese individuals were attracted to the movement and joined forces with the Khmer Rouge during the Vietnam War. From 1969 to 1973, as US forces bombed Cambodia causing its citizens to seek shelter in Phnom Penh, their capital city, this military destabilization further strengthened Pol Pot's power.

In 1975, the US soldiers departed and Cambodia's government lost their backing. This enabled Pol Pot and his troops to seize control of Cambodia's capital city on March 17, 1975. Upon seizing power, Pol Pot enacted a wave of nationalism reminiscent of China's Boxer Rebellion in 1900. His objective was to eliminate all indications of Western Influence such as urban lifestyle, religion, and western culture in preference for an escalated form of communism. Consequently, foreigners were expelled, embassies shut down, and foreign aid was declined.

During this period in Cambodia, newspapers and televisions were shut down and telephone usage was severely limited. Additionally, the use of money was restricted and health care services were abolished. The country was completely isolated from the rest of the world. Even more concerning, millions of Cambodians were forced into slave labor by the Khmer Rouge regime. Working days in the fields were extremely challenging, starting at 4 am and ending at 10 pm with only two short breaks allowed throughout the 18-hour day. All activities were closely monitored by young Khmer Rouge soldiers who would not hesitate to kill for even minor rule-breaking.