The History of Modern Cambodia

  • Independence

    Cambodia has officially gained their independence from France.
  • Political Family

    Norodom Sihanouk became prime minister, and his father, Norodom Suramarit, became the king in the same year.
  • The Death of the King

    King Norodom Suramarit died so his son, Norodom Sihanouk took over as the leader of the country.
  • Breaking of Relations

    Norodom Sihanouk warns the USA of breaking relations with them.
  • Planing of Bombing

    President Nixon ordered plans for a secret bombing in Cambodia.
  • Bombing the North Vietnamese in Cambodia

    President Richard Nixon ordered to start bombing the North Vietnamese in their Cambodian bases.
  • Sending in Troops

    Presidents Nixon announced that America was sending troops into Cambodia.
  • Receiving Supplies, Training, and Much More

    North Vietnam and the Viet Cong armed the Khmer Rouge with weapons, and also gave them supplies and training.
  • Accidental Bombing

    A United States plane accidentally bombed a village in Cambodia, killing over 400 civilians
  • Khmer Rouge

    Pol Pot and created the Khmer Rouge.
  • Trying to get across the border

    Almost 300 Cambodian refugees were killed by Khmer Rouge as they were trying to cross the border to Thailand.
  • Vietnam Bombing Cambodia

    A North Vietnamese jet bombed bombs a city in Cambodia called Siem Reap. The Cambodians and the Vietnamese blamed the United States of America for the bombing.
  • The Resignation of the Head of the State

    Norodom Sihanouk resigned as the Head of the State because of Khmer Rouge;
  • Coming to Power

    Pol Pot became Prime Minister for the first time.
  • Breaking of Relations in a different way

    Cambodia broke relations with Vietnam.
  • A Very Merry Christmas

    Roughly 150,000 soldiers from Vietnam invade Cambodia.
  • Finally Leaving Cambodia

    Norodom Sihanouk is given permission my Pol Pot to leave Cambodia.
  • New Life New York

    After leaving Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk went to New York and told reporters that Pol Pot “Treats the Cambodian people as cattle good for forced labour and pigs good for the slaughterhouse."
  • The Royal Government

    After Cambodia held nationwide elections, they form the Royal Government of Cambodia, and Norodom Sihanouk, once again, becomes king.
  • The Death of Pol Pot

    At the age of 72, Pol Pot died in his sleep while under house arrest.