Introduction to Cambodia:
Cambodia is an example of a small country which has been buffeted about by the forces of the Cold War. Even though it is a small, there have been great power struggles internally and it has been disproportionately affected by global ideological struggles. It has been a victim of Cold War rivalries.
We will look at these internal and external forces and assess the effect of the Cold War on Cambodia during the period from about 1955 to 1993.
We will look at these internal and external forces and assess the effect of the Cold War on Cambodia during the period from about 1955 to 1993.
1. Overview and Sihanouk's Rule (1955-)
In this section, you will get an understanding of the topic from looking at various sources, starting with simple sources and moving to more complex ones.
a) the basics: Use the following 2 sources to fill in the worksheet called "Initial Activity". This will give you an understanding of the Cambodian situation, including the main events, people and issues.
Here's a link to the video if needed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAMf0MRqt40
a) the basics: Use the following 2 sources to fill in the worksheet called "Initial Activity". This will give you an understanding of the Cambodian situation, including the main events, people and issues.
Here's a link to the video if needed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAMf0MRqt40
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initial_activity_on_cambodia.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
b) a more detailed timeline: Next, use the "Timeline and detail of Cambodian conflict activity" to expand your knowledge of the period we are considering. Think of this as "the ripple effect" of a stone in a pond. You will begin with a simple timeline and by using a second and then a third source, you will improve your knowledge, until you are ready to draw some conclusions about the causes and consequences of the Cold War conflict in Cambodia.
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c) Impact of the Vietnam War |
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The Americans let the Vietnam War spill over into Cambodia with disastrous consequences. Watch the video and do some research on:
1. Operation Menu 2. Why Nixon kept the incursion into Cambodia secret? Look at the Soviet cartoon in the following document. How does it reflect Cold War tensions in 1961, particularly in relation to Cambodia?
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2. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge (1975-79)
In this section you will find out about how Sihanouk's rule led to the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. You will also learn about Pol Pot himself, the ideology and actions of the Khmer Rouge and the fall of both the man and the regime, as a result of intervention by Vietnam.
Using the BBC Timewatch video, fill in the accompanying worksheet. The you tube link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAiDAgLcIbY. Or you could try: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2yi8ql. Or failing that type "BBC Timewatch Journey to the Killing Fields" into Google.
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Read this article to see what has recently happened to Nuon Chea, Pol Pot's second in command
www.nytimes.com/2017/06/23/world/asia/cambodia-khmer-rouge-vietnam.html |
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3. Invasion by Vietnam and "civil war" (1979-89)
Vietnam came in and deposed the Khmer Rouge. We want to look at how that happened, what motivated the Vietnamese and what the consequences were.
To do this, complete the "Invasion by the Vietnamese activity"
To do this, complete the "Invasion by the Vietnamese activity"
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n extension activity:
Once you have done the "Invasion by the Vietnamese activity" you could look at the 2 articles here (BBC and Khymer Times) and then complete the Frayer diagram. |
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4. International response, The UN and 1993 elections (1989-93)
The international community decided that it was time to act about 1989 and stabilise Cambodia. It was necessary to find a common ground upon which all the involved parties could operate. It was very difficult to come to a resolution. The peace process was under the auspices of the United Nations and was driven largely by Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans.
First, read the section in the Church textbook (pp30-33) to get a general overview of the period from 1989 to 2003. Use this information to help with the following activity.
Complete the following activity to gain an understanding of the forces involved and how this situation of resolving the Cambodian situation is an important part of Cold War conflict in Asia.
First, read the section in the Church textbook (pp30-33) to get a general overview of the period from 1989 to 2003. Use this information to help with the following activity.
Complete the following activity to gain an understanding of the forces involved and how this situation of resolving the Cambodian situation is an important part of Cold War conflict in Asia.

international_response_the_un_and_the_1993_elections.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |