History of Cambodia from 1863 to Present

French Protectorate of Cambodia

Jul 5, 1863

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.

Japanese Occupation of Cambodia

Apr 24, 1941

During World War II, Cambodia is occupied by the military of the Empire of Japan.

Sihanouk Becomes King

Apr 25, 1941

Norodom Sihanouk becomes King of Cambodia, his reign lasts 14 years.

French Re-establish Protectorate

Jan 1, 1946

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.

Cambodia Becomes Independent

Jul 3, 1953

Cambodia gains independence from France and becomes the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Norodom Sihanouk becomes Head of State

Apr 3, 1960

After his father's death, Sihanouk becomes Head of State. He keeps this position for ten years.

Sihanouk Breaks Off Relations With U.S.

Apr 10, 1965

Sihanouk breaks off diplomatic relations with the United States. North Vietnamese guerrillas establish bases in Cambodia.

Lon Nol Overthrows Sihanouk

Mar 18, 1970

Prime Minister Lon Nol overthrows Sihanouk in putsch and establishes the Khmer Republic. Sihanouk is exiled to China and forms a guerrilla movement.

Democratic Kampuchea

Apr 17, 1975

Cambodia is renamed Democratic Kampuchea. Sihanouk resigns. Khieu Samphan becomes head of state and Pol Pot is prime minister.

Year Zero

Apr 17, 1975

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.

War with Vietnam Begins

Jan 30, 1977

Cambodian and Vietnam go to war because of constant invasions from Cambodia.

Khmer Rouge Rule Comes to an End

Jan 30, 1978

Khmer Rouge no longer rules Cambodia, instead Vietnamese forces conquer Phomn Penh and the People's Republic of Kampuchea is formed.

Vietnamese Troops Withdraw

Jan 30, 1989

Socialism in Cambodia ends and the country is renamed as State of Cambodia, Buddhism is re-established as well.

Monarchy Again

Sep 24, 1993

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.

Riots in Phomn Penh

Jan 30, 2003

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.

Former King Succeeded by Son

Jan 1, 2004

Former King Sihanouk abdicates his power and exiles himself to North Korea because of declining health, his son Norodom Sihamoni takes over.

Cambodian-Thai Conflict

Jun 1, 2008

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.