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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