Cambodian Genocide

When was the Cambodian Genocide?

17 April 1975 - 7 January 1979

Who led the Khmer Rouge?

Pol Pot (communist dictator)

What major conflict destabilised Cambodia before 1975?

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

What was Operation Menu?

US secret bombing campaign in Cambodia (1969-1973)

What was the situation of the Cambodian government before Khmer Rouge takeover?

Weak government under Lon Nol

When did Khmer Rouge take power?

17 April 1975

What ideology did the Khmer Rouge follow?

Extreme Maoist communism aiming for agrarian, classless society

What did the Khmer Rouge abolish?

Money, religion, private property, education

What major action did the Khmer Rouge take in cities?

Forcibly evacuated Phnom Penh and other cities

What were people forced into after evacuation?

Rural labour camps

What were conditions in labour camps like?

Starvation, forced labour, exhaustion, disease, high death risk

What happened to families during the genocide?

They were separated and broken apart

What were short-term impacts of the genocide?

Mass deaths (1.7-2 million), evacuation, labour camps, collapse of society

What was the death toll of the Cambodian Genocide?

Approximately 1.7-2 million people

What were long-term political impacts?

Instability after 1979, continued conflict, foreign intervention

What were long-term social impacts?

Loss of educated professionals, trauma, family breakdown

What were long-term economic impacts?

Destroyed infrastructure, weak agriculture, underdevelopment

What does "anyone who disobeys is taken away" show?

Violence, intimidation, fear-based control

What is the key evaluation for impacts questions?

Short term = immediate destruction; long term = lasting consequences

What is the main structure for source analysis?

Quote → Experience → Perspective → Meaning (control/impact)

What emotions did civilians experience during the genocide?

Fear, confusion, trauma, realisation

What does forced evacuation from Phnom Penh show?

Loss of autonomy and control over civilians

What does "we are not allowed to take many belongings" show?

Loss of personal property and stability

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