Cambodia, a country in Asia, received independence from France in 1954, after 91 years as French Indochina territory. Their freedom led directly to the 16-year reign of Prince Sihanouk. Sihanouk “terminated a U.S.-run aid program in 1963 and relations between Cambodia and the U.S. were severed completely in May 1965” (“Cambodian Genocide”). Meanwhile, Pol Pot joined the underground communist party of Cambodia, became the leader, and formed the Khmer Rouge. In 1970, the Prince was expelled by American right-wing military forces, causing him to join Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. The U.S. also invaded Cambodia in hope of driving North Vietnamese forces from their military camps. This action, however, only led the North Vietnamese to join forces with the Khmer Rouge. …show more content…
These civilians, fleeing their homes, widely supported Pol Pot and allowed him to rise to fame. When American troops finally withdrew from Cambodia in 1975, the Khmer Rouge rose to power and took control of the government. Now in power, Pol Pot began “purifying” the Cambodian society by exterminating foreigners, police officers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, government officials, and those whose loyalty was dubious. The Khmer Rouge also began discarding religion and limiting freedoms and communication. Additionally, health care, schools, and businesses were all removed and all Cambodian citizens were forced to leave their homes and evacuate. They were then forced into labor camps where most died of overworking, disease, or hunger. These harsh conditions were mainly enforced due to the Khmer Rouge’s belief of the evil of capitalism. Over 2 million Cambodians died in the Khmer Rouge’s massacre before Vietnam intervened and an invasion restored Cambodia to a democratic