Sihanouk Revolution

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The Khmer Rouge was an extreme communist group that emerged out of the struggle against French colonization. Communists living countryside, unhappy with their living conditions became extremists. 200 delegates assembled in Kampot province and formed the Unified Issarak Front, known as the Khmer Issarak. Almost all of the front's members were Cambodian who could speak Vietnamese. Some of these Communists became members of the indochinese Communist Party, who would later become leaders of the of Communist Party of Kampuchea. Including the eventual leader of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot. These extremists thought a Marxist-leninist revolution was the only way Cambodia could obtain independence and social equality. In the 1955 election, Pol Pot believed the Democrats, with anti-fuedalist and anti-capitalist views, would win the election and give communist some …show more content…

They staged a successful coup to depose Prince Sihanouk as head of state. But tens of thousands of people did not support the American backed government. Prince Sihanouk went into exile in China. With the support of China, North Vietnam, and CPK, Sihanouk was able to form the National United Front of Kampuchea and a government in exile called the Royal Government of the National Union of Kampuchea. These new developments had created new opportunities for Khmer Rouge. Being supported by North Vietnam and China. While Prince Sihanouk appealed to the Cambodian people.The Khmer Rouge was made up of a hardy people. It was known that they were more active and disciplined than the Khmer Republic government. They were able to withstand shortages of food and medicine. By early 1973, The Khmer Rouge had about 85% of Cambodian territory under their power. The Lon Nol army was unable to go on the offensive. But, with the help of the United States, the Lon Nol army was able to continue fighting the Khmer Rouge for 2 more

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