Lon Nol Seizes Power from Prince Sihanouk
March 18th, 1970
March 18th, 1970
How Long Ago?
54 years, 11 months, 25 days ago
Location
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Vietnam War
People
- Norodom Sihanouk
- Lon Nol
Links & References
Tags
Lon Nol Seizes Power from Prince Sihanouk
General Lon Nol launched a coup d'état against Prince Norodom Sihanouk in Cambodia, effectively ending Sihanouk's reign. This power transition took place in the capital, Phnom Penh, and was driven by increasing levels of political instability and fears of a communist takeover. Lon Nol's government would eventually align itself with the United States during the Vietnam War and oppose the communist Khmer Rouge forces.
Lon Nol was a military leader before the coup.
Sihanouk was abroad during the coup event.
The coup altered Cambodia's political orientation.
It contributed to the rise of the Khmer Rouge.
What Happened?
In March of 1970, a significant political shift occurred in Cambodia when General Lon Nol orchestrated a coup against the long-serving monarch, Prince Norodom Sihanouk. The backdrop to this coup was a combination of political pressures within Cambodia alongside the increasing influence of Vietnam and the ongoing conflict in Southeast Asia. Lon Nol had been a loyal military commander under Sihanouk but grew increasingly concerned about Sihanouk's apparent neutrality towards the North Vietnamese presence in Cambodia and the burgeoning influence of communist factions. The coup happened while Sihanouk was out of the country, visiting Europe. Upon his return, he was shocked to discover that he had been deposed, as Lon Nol declared the establishment of a republican government. This swift and bold move marked a turning point in Cambodian history as it not only altered the political landscape but also aligned the new government with American interests during a tumultuous period of the Vietnam War. The ensuing conflict with the Khmer Rouge would lead to devastating consequences for the Cambodian populace in the years that followed.
Why Does it Matter?
The ousting of Prince Sihanouk by Lon Nol is significant as it set the stage for the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Civil War. This act reflected the broader Cold War dynamics in Southeast Asia, where local conflicts often intersected with global power struggles. The subsequent alignment of Cambodia with the United States and the subsequent turmoil had lasting effects on the region.
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