CAMBODIA A VERY summarised history Ancient times Angkor

CAMBODIA A VERY summarised history

Ancient times: Angkor Empire - An ancient empire which formed the foundation for the Cambodia Country. Unrivalled during 400 years of dominance in conflicts with neighbours. - We will visit the building remaining from the Angkor Civilisation.

13 th - 18 th Century: -Cambodia’s neighbours (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) begin to grow in dominance - These countries begin to challenge each other for territory and Cambodia is bought into conflict both defending its territories and attempting to expand its empire. - There are hundreds of small conflicts during this period.

19 th Century: - French colonisation and protection of Vietnam spills over into Cambodia. -French begin to pressing for greater control of Cambodian internal affairs in a hope to bolster its control in the region. - The French gained their control in 1884 causing a civil war which later saw the return of the status quo with the French still acting as a protectorate over the country. - The French managed to return control of Siem Reap and surrounding areas to the Cambodians from the Thais in return for some Laotian territory. 20 th Century: After WWII France gave autonomy to Cambodia which the would struggle with its management through a number of incompetent political parties.

1969 – Now: - Khmer Rouge rebel movement is established and begin to challenge for government power. - The Vietnam War spills over the boarder as the US begin bombing raids to kill NVA / VC based across the border in Cambodia. - The Cambodian army attempt to push NVA forces out and are quickly overrun. - The Khmer Rouge unite with NVA forces and assume power of the country. - A faction of the Khmer Rouge lead by a man named ‘Pol Pot’ become prominent and begins to employ their brutal and extremist nationalist ideals. http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=My 5 p 4 vk 1 sog

1969 – Now: - Pol Pot is responsible for killing approximately 25% of the Cambodia population (2 Million) - Equivalent to killing 5. 6 Million Australians. The Khmer Rouge held their reign of power till 1978 when the Vietnamese invaded and took the country in two weeks. - At the end of the cold war Vietnam decided to once again give Cambodia autonomy and under the management of the UN a ‘stable’ government was chosen through a national election. - Today the Cambodia people live in peace in a country devastated by decades of conflict, genocide and corruption. - The future of Cambodia is still uncertain however it is not bright.

Additional Information: Landmines: Placed by US, NVA, Khmer Rouge – Est. 10 Million From 2000 – 2005 there were 850 people killed each year – Many more wounded. Etiquette Many of the people in Cambodia lived through the Khmer Rouge era. Some are open to talk about the events however many are still not prepared to talk. You should NEVER joke or make light of the events almost everyone we will see and meet will have some connection to the event through family or friends. The killing fields DVD.

Next Meeting: Culture, Customs, Accommodation & Food!