History - The Definitive Guide to Moving to Southeast Asia: Cambodia - page 11

Vietnam's settlement of the Mekong Delta led to its annexation of that area at the end of
the 17 th century, causing Cambodia to lose this rich territory and become cut off from the
sea.
Bythe19 th century,Cambodiahadbecomeahelplesspawninthepowerstrugglesbetween
SiamandVietnam.Fortunately,Franceintervened(incompetitionwithBritain,whichshut
it out of most parts of Southeast Asia) and provided the country with a new lease on life.
It was during this time that the French naturalist Henri Mahout rediscovered the ruins at
Angkor, thereby piquing the interest of the French for this part of the world. In 1863, the
French concluded a treaty with King Norodom, providing them with the rights to explore
and exploit the country's mineral and forest resources. Cambodia continued as a protector-
ate of France from 1863 to 1953.
In 1955, Sihanouk abdicated in favour of his father in order to participate in politics, and
was elected Prime Minister. Upon his father's death in 1960, Sihanouk again became head
of state, and during the Vietnam War, adopted an official policy of neutrality in the Cold
War (though considered to be sympathetic to the communist cause). He allowed the Viet-
namese communists to use Cambodia as a sanctuary and supply route for their arms and
aid to forces fighting in South Vietnam, but when visiting Beijing in 1970, was ousted by a
military coup led by Prime Minister General Lon Nol.
North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched armed attacks on the new government
and civil war ensued.
AstheVietnamesecommunistsgainedcontrolofCambodianterritory,theyimposedanew
political infrastructure, which was eventually dominated by the Cambodian communists
known as the Khmer Rouge.