Kampuchea

Kampuchea

Official name	Democratic Kampuchea
Common name	Kampuchea
Motto
Anthem
Flag	[[File:|125px]]
Coat of arms	[[File:|85px]]
Capital	Phnom Penh
Largest city
Government	One-party socialist republic
Legislature

Democratic Kampuchea was the official name of Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, during the period when the country was under the control of the Khmer Rouge. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was a radical communist movement that sought to transform Cambodia into a rural, classless society.

History

The Khmer Rouge came to power after a brutal civil war in Cambodia, overthrowing the Khmer Republic on April 17, 1975. The regime immediately began implementing radical policies aimed at creating an agrarian utopia. Cities were evacuated, and the population was forced into the countryside to work in collective farms and labor camps.

The Khmer Rouge abolished money, private property, and religion, and sought to eliminate all traces of the "old society." Intellectuals, professionals, and anyone associated with the previous government were targeted for persecution. This period is marked by widespread human rights abuses and the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people due to starvation, forced labor, and execution.

Government and Politics

Democratic Kampuchea was a one-party state governed by the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK). The party's leadership was secretive, and its policies were implemented through a network of local committees and cooperatives. The regime's ideology was heavily influenced by Maoism and extreme nationalism.

The central figure in the government was Pol Pot, who served as the General Secretary of the CPK. The regime's policies were characterized by extreme isolationism, with limited contact with the outside world.

Economy

The economy of Democratic Kampuchea was based on agriculture, with a focus on rice production. The regime's policies led to the collectivization of agriculture and the abolition of private ownership. The forced labor system and lack of modern agricultural techniques resulted in widespread famine and economic collapse.

Fall of Democratic Kampuchea

The regime's downfall began with increasing tensions with neighboring Vietnam. In December 1978, Vietnam launched a full-scale invasion of Cambodia, capturing Phnom Penh on January 7, 1979. The Khmer Rouge retreated to the jungles, and the People's Republic of Kampuchea was established with Vietnamese support.

Legacy

The legacy of Democratic Kampuchea is one of tragedy and devastation. The period is remembered for the Cambodian genocide, and the impact of the Khmer Rouge's policies is still felt in Cambodia today. Efforts to bring justice to the victims have included the establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia to try senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge.

Also see

• Khmer Rouge
• Pol Pot
• Cambodian genocide
• Khmer Republic
• People's Republic of Kampuchea
• Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia