Stages of the Cambodian Government...

The French wanting to settle in Cambodia were more than willing to help Prince Norodom get the Cambodian throne. In fact in 1863, they approached Prince Norodom with a protectorate agreement. The agreement stated that the French will protect Cambodia from any and all attacks and interferences from Thailand. Vietnam, and Laos. In exchange, the prince allowed the French to inhabit the country and exploit any and all it’s natural
resources. Prince Norodom felt he was protecting himself and the citizens, but instead he submitted them to ninety years of French supremacy.

Under the protectorate form of government in the country it meant that the kings of Cambodia would remain in office but all of the decisions regarding foreign relations, exports and “money” business were made by the French. Although this was true, in the first twenty years of their agreement, the French allowed Cambodia to run under their customary political ways. Despite the authority of the French, many Cambodians would agree that the kingdom was at peace. King Norodom was very un-popular amongst his people. When a king is un-popular in Cambodia there was nothing more citizens could do but rebel. Especially after Norodom signed a treaty with France in 1884 that completely went against the traditional values of the country. The citizens were in uproar triggering a rebellion that lasted almost two-years against the French and Norodom’s kingdom.

In spite of the rebellions occurring in his country King Norodom continued on in office, with little attention from his subjects or the French, until his death in 1904.Norodom’s younger brother, Sisowath Manivong took to the throne right after his death because the French favored him. Sisowath gave little resistance to the French and agreed with everything they said so it was no surprise the French handed him the throne.

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.