After years of colonial control, Cambodia achieved independence from France in 1953, with significant efforts spearheaded by King Norodom Sihanouk. Sihanouk articulated a vision for a sovereign Cambodia, drawing on a deep-rooted sense of nationalism and the desire for self-governance. His push for independence was influenced by global trends toward decolonization, seen throughout the mid-20th century. Internationally, this independence movement gained momentum thanks to weakening European powers post-World War II, which spurred colonized nations to seek autonomy. The negotiations involved substantial discussions with French officials, who, confronted by rising nationalist sentiments and the impracticality of maintaining an empire, eventually conceded to the demands of Cambodian leaders for sovereignty.

The announcement of independence was celebrated widely throughout Cambodia, as people embraced the prospect of a future free from colonial oversight. The end of French rule symbolized not just political freedom but also the reclamation of Cambodian cultural identity, which had been suppressed under colonial governance. However, while the moment was celebrated, it also foreshadowed a tumultuous period in which the newly liberated nation would grapple with internal conflict and the effects of the Cold War, ultimately shaping its political landscape in the decades to come.