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Cambodia becomes part of the French Colonial Empire after king Norodom of Cambodia requests establishment of French Protectorate over his country. The French rule lasts 90 years.
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During World War II, Cambodia is occupied by the military of the Empire of Japan.
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Norodom Sihanouk becomes King of Cambodia, his reign lasts 14 years.
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France reimposes its Protectorate but grants Cambodia self-rule and allows it to form political parties. The Democratic Party of Cambodia is founded by Sisowath Youtevong. Communist revolutionaires begin armed campaign agains the French.
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Cambodia gains independence from France and becomes the Kingdom of Cambodia.
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After his father's death, Sihanouk becomes Head of State. He keeps this position for ten years.
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Sihanouk breaks off diplomatic relations with the United States. North Vietnamese guerrillas establish bases in Cambodia.
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Prime Minister Lon Nol overthrows Sihanouk in putsch and establishes the Khmer Republic. Sihanouk is exiled to China and forms a guerrilla movement.
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Cambodia is renamed Democratic Kampuchea. Sihanouk resigns. Khieu Samphan becomes head of state and Pol Pot is prime minister.
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Pol Pot overthrows Lon Nol and leads the Khmer Rouge to take over Phnom Penh. For a short while, Sihanouk becomes Head of State and Cambodia is renamed Kampuchea. This year is known as Year Zero. City people are forced to do agricultural work in the countryside. Educated middle-class people are tortured and executed, or die from illness. Money loses its value, basic freedoms taken away, and religion is banned. Death toll of 1975-1978 is at least 1.7 million.
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Cambodian and Vietnam go to war because of constant invasions from Cambodia.
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Khmer Rouge no longer rules Cambodia, instead Vietnamese forces conquer Phomn Penh and the People's Republic of Kampuchea is formed.
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Socialism in Cambodia ends and the country is renamed as State of Cambodia, Buddhism is re-established as well.
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Cambodia turns back into a monarchy with Norodom Sihanouk as it's king, the country is then renamed Kingdom of Cambodia and a constitution is also made.
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A newspaper reports a Thai soap opera actress said Angkor Wat rightfully belonged to Thailand. As a result, riots arise at the Thai embassy and and many Thai TV channels are banned.
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Former King Sihanouk abdicates his power and exiles himself to North Korea because of declining health, his son Norodom Sihamoni takes over.
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Tthailand and Cambodia argue over possesion of the territory around the Hindu Tower--Preah Vihear, a tower both historically important to both countries. Troops are dispatched.
