Brief Glance at Cambodia's History

Cambodia sought out the protection of the French in order to avoid surrendering to Siam. After years of civil war and warfare with surrounding countries, Cambodia became a Protectorate of France in 1863. During the years of colonization France left positive and negative contributions to Cambodian society. The French used cambodian labor for archaeological research, this lead to an improvement in infrastructure as well as preserving ancient Cambodian history. However, the French failed to educate the vast majority of the population. The citizens of Cambodia were not allowed to participate in the political process until the 1940's and because of this they were poorly prepared to handle the independence they received in 1953. France granted independence at the Geneva Conference and Cambodia was declared a neutral state.

Prince Norodom Sihanouk, is crowned King of Cambodia by the French. He was only 18 years old at the time.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Norodom_Sihanouk.JPG

Although King Sihanouk abdicated the throne in 1955, he still played an active role in Cambodian politics. In the 1960's Sihanouk severed relations with the U.S. because of their involvement with Vietnam. In 1970, Sihanouk's government was overthrown due to disagreements with his policies with North Vietnam and Prime Minister Lon Nol was given power.

On April 17, 1975 the Communist Party of Kampuchea, also known as the Khmer Rouge, seized the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Within days the Khmer Rouge enforced an aggressive and brutal reconstruction of Cambodian society. They forced millions of people to the country side. The Khmer Rouge wanted to create a rural, classless society. Over two million people where killed, ranging from citizens to military officers. Any person suspected of being an enemy was immediately killed. Every aspect of the previous society was destroyed. During the reign of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia became a living hell, virtually imprisoning the entire country.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Photos_of_young_Khmer_Rouge_fighters_%28on_display_at_the_Tuol_Sleng_Museum%2C_Phnom_Penh%29.jpg
Above - Photos of young Khmer Rouge fighters.

The Khmer Rouge was still a present force even after losing government control in 1979. Throughout the next 20 years, members of the Khmer Rouge continued to fight in an attempt to regain power. By 1999, all members had either defected to the new government, been captured or died.

The Khmer Rouge falls in January of 1979 after the Vietnamese army launched a full invasion of Cambodia. Vietnamese forces replace the Khmer Rouge government with a new "puppet government."

Cambodian factions sign a UN-sponsored peace accord, shedding light on a hopeful future.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Cambodia_flag.jpg

The Cambodian Organization for Women's Support (COWS) was founded by five women in Kampong Thom after the 1st UN-facilitated elections in Cambodia. COWS mission is to improve health care and related services, as well as increasing education on reproductive health and prevention to the communities in the surrounding areas.

http://globemed.smugmug.com/GlobeMedattheUniversityofWisco/Partner-Pictures/i-kcJXWh2/0/M/66556_403004023100140_1264145622_n-M.jpg

The United Nations held a national election to help create a new coalition government in Cambodia.