Norodom Sihanouk

Challenges to Power

Relationship with US during War

Opposition - Khmer Rouge

Impact of US bombing in Cambodia

Overthrow

Rise to Power

1970: Lon Nol leads a coup overthrowing Sihanouk

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1955: Prince Sihanouk abdicates and enters politics

1953: Cambodia gains independence from France

1864: Cambodia becomes French Protectorate

Colonial

In 1863, Cambodia under King Norodom became a protectorate of France.

In October 1887, the French announced the formation of the Union of Indochina

Over the next 50 years French maintain control of Cambodia but country is not developed like VIetnam

March 1955 Sihanouk abdicated, father Norodom SUramarit put on throne. Sihanouk takes title of Samdech (prince) - seen as necessary to enable him a free hand to engage in politics.

Supported by US

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During this time the Khmer Rouge were insignificant

SECRETLY: prior to US committment of troops in Vietnam, Sihanouk believed the communists would win.

SO: he allowed North Vietnam to use the Ho Chi Minh Trail… IN RETURN: North Vietnam would stop supporting the Cambodian rebels.

MUTUAL DISTRUST

He was suspicious of how the growing US involvement had drawn officers like Lon Nol into their embrace … these guys were listening a lot more to the US fear of Communism than Sihanouk was.