Timeline of Cambodia

Chronology

13 events spanning the history of Cambodia. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1700

   Viets conquer Mekong Delta.

   Viets conquer Mekong Delta; weaker Khmer kingdom assumes roughly modern borders of Cambodia.

2. 1834 – 1841

   Viets attack and share increasing control over Khmers with Siam kingdom.

   Viets attack and share increasing control over Khmers with Siam kingdom.

3. 1863

   Cambodia becomes a protectorate of France. French colonial rule lasts for 90 years.

   Cambodia becomes a protectorate of France. French colonial rule lasts for 90 years.

4. 1941 – 1945

   Cambodia is occupied by Japan during World War II.

   Cambodia is occupied by Japan during World War II.

5. 1946

   France re-imposes its protectorate.

   France re-imposes its protectorate.

6. 1953

   Cambodia wins its independence from France.

   Cambodia wins its independence from France. Under King Sihanouk, it becomes the Kingdom of Cambodia.

7. 1965

   Head of State Sihanouk breaks off relations with the US.

   Head of State Sihanouk breaks off relations with the US and allows North Vietnamese guerrillas to set up bases in Cambodia in pursuance of their campaign against the US-backed government in South Vietnam.

8. 1975

   Cambodia is re-named Kampuchea.

   Cambodia is re-named Kampuchea.

9. 1976

   The country is re-named Democratic Kampuchea.

   The country is re-named Democratic Kampuchea.

10. 1977

    Fighting breaks out with Vietnam.

    Fighting breaks out with Vietnam.