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Cambodia's Relationship with the world before the Khmer Rouge...
In March of 1970, Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia was dethroned and General Lon Nol became the head of Cambodia. On October 9, the country became the Khmer Republic with the support of Son Ngoc Thanh from South Vietnam. The United States assisted the new government of Lon Nol to fight against the Khmer Rouge and the Vietcong. But a major problem with the Khmer Republic was their divided leadership. Although Lon Nol was considered to be the head of the republic, Sirik Matak, (Sihanouk’s cousin) and In Tam were also competing to become head of the country. Finally, an election was held in 1972 that made Lon Nol the Khmer Republic’s president. The country started to develop their military force, turning their 30,000 men army into a 200,000 force. However, corruption within the government and the army began to weaken the Khmer Republic. By 1973, the Khmer Rouge controlled 60% of the country and they accounted for 25% of the Cambodia's population. The Khmer Rouge was able to "attack" the republic. By 1975, after three failed attempts to sign treaties with the Khmer Rouge, the Khmer Republic lost complete control of Cambodia's country side. This helped the Vietcong in their struggle against South Vietnam. The Khmer Rouge allowed the North Vietnamese troops to enter South Vietnam through Cambodia's countryside. During this time, more than two million refugees lived in Phnom Penh and other cities within the Khmer Republic. Source: Cambodia-Historical Highlights.
2002-2003. GeographyIQ. 7/15/03.
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