Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The French in Cambodia
The era of yo-yoing between Thai and Vietnamese masters came to a close in 1863, when
French gunboats intimidated King Norodom I (r 1860-1904) into signing a treaty of pro-
tectorate. Ironically, it really was a protectorate, as Cambodia was in danger of going the
way of Champa and vanishing from the map. French control of Cambodia developed as a
sideshow to its interests in Vietnam, uncannily similar to the American experience a cen-
tury later, and initially involved little direct interference in Cambodia's affairs. The French
presence also helped keep Norodom on the throne despite the ambitions of his rebellious
half-brothers.
For more on the incredible life and times of Norodom Sihanouk, read the biography Prince of Light,
Prince of Darkness (1994) by Milton Osborne.
By the 1870s, French officials in Cambodia began pressing for greater control over in-
ternal affairs. In 1884 Norodom was forced into signing a treaty that turned his country into
a virtual colony, sparking a two-year rebellion that constituted the only major uprising in
Cambodia before WWII. The rebellion only ended when the king was persuaded to call
upon the rebel fighters to lay down their weapons in exchange for a return to the status quo.
During the following decades, senior Cambodian officials opened the door to direct
French control over the day-to-day administration of the country, as they saw certain ad-
vantages in acquiescing to French power. The French maintained Norodom's court in
splendour unseen since the heyday of Angkor, helping to enhance the symbolic position of
the monarchy. In 1907 the French were able to pressure Thailand into returning the northw-
est provinces of Battambang, Siem Reap and Preah Vihear in return for concessions of Lao
territory to the Thais. This meant Angkor came under Cambodian control for the first time
in more than a century.
The French did very little to encourage education in Cambodia, and by the end of WWII, after
70 years of colonial rule, there were no universities and only one high school in the whole coun-
try.
King Norodom I was succeeded by King Sisowath (r 1904-27), who was succeeded by
King Monivong (r 1927-41). Upon King Monivong's death, the French governor-general
 
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