Stages of the Cambodian Government...

In 1848, Duang Manivong obtained the Cambodian throne after his older brother, Chan Manivong. A civil-war torn Cambodia was weary that Duong may bring even more turmoil and animosity to the poor country. In the following ten years after his coronation the Cambodian people, much to their surprise, were praising and thanking him. In those ten years it seemed that Cambodia had regained a glimpse of what it use to be. Cambodia suddenly was re-awakened. The citizens were able to raise their children in safe and secure areas. They were able to provide their families with the provisions they needed. Famed temples and monasteries were restored and the culture and traditions of Cambodia were once again practiced. Two years later, in 1860, Duong died.

As Cambodia started to flourish again, they were unaware of the French forces occupying southern Vietnam. Before the Cambodians realized it the French had establish their own colony centered on the capital of Vietnam, Saigon. When the French settled into their new surroundings, curiosity hit them about the lands west of Vietnam. Soon enough a French explorer “discovered” the ruins of Angkor Wat. Fueled by this discovery the French became more fervent in “settling” Cambodia. They had no doubt in their minds that Cambodia was rich in rare metals and minerals. They were going to do everything they could to expand and exploit Cambodia for their benefit.

Duang’s eldest son, Prince Norodom Manivong, was the one expected to take the throne after his father but he was caught in a battle between his brother and others seeking to be Duang’s successor. The Thai court kept the throne from being awarded to Prince Norodom so the young prince turned to the French.

Source:-Seekins, Donald M., Robert K. Headley, Jr., Rinn-Sup Shinn, and Frank Tatu. Cambodia a Country Study. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1990.

-Chandler, David P. The Land and People of Cambodia. U.S.A.: HarperCollins Publishers, 1991.

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