AP World History: Modern

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Khmer Rouge

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AP World History: Modern

Definition

The Khmer Rouge was a radical communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, led by Pol Pot. This regime is infamous for its brutal policies aimed at creating an agrarian socialist society, resulting in mass atrocities and the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people through forced labor, starvation, and executions. The Khmer Rouge's rise to power and its subsequent actions are crucial in understanding the broader themes of mass atrocities and the challenges faced by newly independent states in the late 20th century.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Khmer Rouge sought to eliminate all social classes, targeting urban residents and educated individuals as part of their ideology of creating a classless society.
  2. The regime forcibly evacuated cities, leading to the creation of labor camps where millions were subjected to grueling work conditions, starvation, and violence.
  3. The genocide carried out by the Khmer Rouge is one of the most significant mass atrocities of the 20th century, with an estimated 25% of Cambodia's population perishing during this period.
  4. Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in January 1979 and the establishment of a new government.
  5. Despite their fall from power, remnants of the Khmer Rouge continued to exist as a political movement until they officially disbanded in 1999 after years of conflict with Cambodian government forces.

Review Questions

  • What were the main goals of the Khmer Rouge regime, and how did their policies lead to mass atrocities in Cambodia?
    • The main goals of the Khmer Rouge regime were to create a classless agrarian society by eliminating all social classes and urban influences. Their policies included forced evacuations from cities, mandatory agricultural labor, and widespread executions targeting intellectuals and perceived political enemies. These extreme measures resulted in significant suffering, starvation, and ultimately led to the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people during their rule.
  • Analyze how the rise and fall of the Khmer Rouge reflect broader challenges faced by newly independent states in post-colonial contexts.
    • The rise of the Khmer Rouge exemplifies how newly independent states can struggle with internal power dynamics, ideological extremism, and external influences. In Cambodia, following independence from French colonial rule, political instability and civil conflict provided fertile ground for radical ideologies to gain traction. The fall of the Khmer Rouge also highlights how foreign intervention can alter a country's trajectory, as Vietnam's invasion ended their brutal rule but also introduced new complexities in Cambodian politics.
  • Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Khmer Rouge's policies on Cambodian society and how they shaped contemporary discussions about human rights.
    • The long-term impacts of the Khmer Rouge's policies are still felt in Cambodian society today, as many survivors continue to deal with trauma and loss from that era. The regime's actions prompted ongoing discussions about justice and reconciliation, leading to trials for senior leaders accused of genocide. These events have influenced contemporary human rights discourse in Cambodia and globally, emphasizing the importance of accountability for mass atrocities while also illustrating challenges in healing a society deeply scarred by violence.
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