---
title: "Pol Pot — AP World History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Pol Pot led the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia from 1975-1979, driving the Cambodian Genocide. A core AP World example of mass atrocities in Topic 7.8."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-world/key-terms/pol-pot"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP World History: Modern"
---

# Pol Pot — AP World History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Pol Pot was the leader of the Khmer Rouge and the Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. His regime is known for its severe brutality, leading to mass deaths in what's known as the Cambodian Genocide.

## Related Study Guides

- [7.8 Mass Atrocities After 1900](/ap-world/unit-7/mass-atrocities-after-1900/study-guide/L6RbdZNySHJqM4D6gPjt)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Khmer Rouge](/ap-world/key-terms/khmer-rouge): This was a communist party in Cambodia that enforced agrarian socialism during their reign from 1975-1979, resulting in mass genocide.
- [Cambodian Genocide](/ap-world/key-terms/cambodian-genocide): A period when approximately two million Cambodians died due to the policies of Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot.
- Agrarian Socialism: An ideology that combines an agrarian way of life with a socialist economic system. It was implemented by Khmer Rouge leading to disastrous consequences.