Stages of the Cambodian Government...

Sisowath Manivong’s reign only lasted until 1927 when he died of old age. His son, bearing the same name (Sisowath Mainivong) had been, like his father, hand picked by the French to rule over Cambodia. It was during Sisowath’s reign that WWII broke out. Still under the protectorate agreement the French were required to protect all territories that belonged to Cambodia. Unfortunately they failed. Some of the land was once again under Thai control. Stressed and dismal over the outcome, King Sisowath retired to his farm where he died not long after.

Sisowath Manivong’s eldest son, Sisowath Monireth was to be given the throne but instead the French gave the crown to his young nephew, Norodom Sihanouk ( although he retained the thrown he didn't carry the tittle of King.) The French felt that he was a more suitable King because he was quiet and uninterested in politics while Sisowath Monireth was smart and very political.

In 1945 the Japanese forces who were stationed in Indochina during WWII declared Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam independent. The Japanese didn’t want French forces throwing them out from their army bases so they acted first. The Japanese arrested all French officials and left the three countries to run on their own. The “ Kingdom of Kampuchea” as was named, was independent for less than a year. The French came back into power in October of 1945, once again using Prince Norodom Sihanouk to convey messages to the Cambodian citizens. Through the years Sihanouk wised up and realized his political potential. He understood that he was Cambodia’s most powerful political leader, thus he began his crusade to free Cambodia from French rule. His efforts finally paid off in November of 1953. After eight years of spreading his demand to other foreign countries, the French grudgingly granted Cambodia’s independence.

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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