Cambodia Timeline of events

By CamdenWyatt

  • Cambodia, protectorate of France

    In 1863 Cambodia became a protectorate of France. French colonial rule lasts for 90 years

  • Prince Norodom

    Prince Norodom Sihanouk becomes king. At this time Cambodia is occupied by Japan during World War II.

  • Japanese occupation ends

    The Japanese’s occupation of Cambodia ended in 1945

  • Cambodia’s independence

    Cambodia won its independence from France in 1953 under the rule of King Sihanouk.

  • Sihanouk becomes prime minister

    Sihanouk abdicates to pursue a political career. His father becomes king and Sihanouk becomes prime minister.

  • Sihanouk becomes leader of Cambodia

    Sihanouk's father passes leading to Sihanouk becoming head of Cambodia

  • US bombing Campaign

    In 1969 A secret bombing campaign began by the US against the North Vietnamese on Cambodian soil.

  • Pol Pot comes to power as prime minister

    While under the supoort of Cambodians, Chinese, and North Vietnamese, Pol Pot was finally able to take over Cambodia in 1975

  • Cambodia is renamed Kampuchea

    the country is re-named Kampuchea when Lon Nol is overthrown by Khmer Rouge being led by Pol Pot.

  • War in Vietnam

    In 1977 war broke out in Vietnam

  • Vietnam takes Phnom Penh

    In January 1979 the Vietnamese take Phnom Penh. Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge forces flee to the border region with Thailand.

  • Cambodia renamed a second time

    Cambodia was re-named Cambodia in 1989