Cambodia Research Paper

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country that is situated within the mainland of South East Asia. Much of Cambodia's pre-colonial history revolved around the Angkor Empire, which was at the height of its power from the 900s to the 1300s, and most citizens today believe themselves to be descendants of those from the empire called Khmers. After the 1300s, the Angkor Empire, now known as present-day Cambodia, began to lose power and suffered blows from attacks courtesy of its bordering neighbors ("Cambodia," CIA). Cambodia was established as a protectorate in 1863 under the jurisdiction of France, and historically became a part of Indochina later. This agreement was made between King Norodom I and the French in order to defend Cambodia against its

Soon the mother country began to expand their power over the Asian country, their economics and trading, and their politics, and overshadowed the power of the monarchy, even selecting the kings who would sit on the Cambodian throne ("History, French Rule"). Also, Cambodians were forced to pay heavy taxes to France in turn ("The Colonial Economy"). Over the course of France's protection, Cambodia was governed and controlled by multiple representatives until 1884, residents-general from 1884 until 1889, residents-superior from 1889 to 1946, and finally, commissioners from 1946 until 1953, when the colony finally gained its independence (Cahoon). France wanted controlled of Cambodia primarily for the idea of power and for the expansion of the French Empire, which was in competition with the expansion of its rival's empire which was Britain. France also wanted Cambodia for access to Vietnam, which was one of the most important colonies in Indochina, and for the abundance of raw resources available within the country. ("FRENCH COLONIAL PERIOD IN

After the Japanese ceased occupation, France attempted to reestablish control in 1946, but allowed the Cambodians to write up a rough draft of a constitution that allowed the formation of their own political parties. Eventually the protectorate status of the Asian country was lifted in the year 1949. In the he following years King Norodom Sihanouk was the leader in gaining support for his country's independence. After 90 years of French protection and control, Cambodia declared its independence in 1953, and by the next year, France had lost all control over Indochina with the end of the First Indochinese War ("History of Cambodia"). There was no large-scaled conflict in the establishment of Cambodian independence, but multiple guerrilla groups formed during France's reestablishment over power over Cambodia, which would lead into the rise of communism and into the Vietnam War ("History of