Historical Events tagged with "khmer rouge"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Khmer Rouge Leaders Offer Apology for Genocide

December 29th, 1998 26 years ago

In a notable reconciliation gesture, leaders of the Khmer Rouge publicly expressed remorse for their role in the Cambodian genocide, which took the lives of over one million people. This event occurred in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea, key figures of the regime, acknowledged the suffering caused during their rule from 1975 to 1979. Their admissions were seen as a critical step toward a national healing process.

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Politics & Government

Signing of the Paris Peace Accords

October 23rd, 1991 33 years ago

Representatives from Cambodia, Vietnam, and the UN signed the Paris Peace Accords in a historic ceremony aiming to end decades of conflict in the region. The agreement sought to establish peace, national reconciliation, and the withdrawal of foreign troops, particularly those from Vietnam, while paving the way for democratic elections in Cambodia. This culmination of negotiations involved multiple parties, emphasizing respect for Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Military & Warfare

Vietnamese Troops Capture Phnom Penh

January 7th, 1979 46 years ago

Phnom Penh fell to Vietnamese troops, ending Khmer Rouge rule. The offensive was a response to the brutal policies of Pol Pot and widespread atrocities in Cambodia. As the Vietnamese advanced into the capital, they encountered limited resistance from the Khmer Rouge. The takeover was part of a broader conflict between Vietnam and its historical rival, Cambodia, exacerbated by territorial disputes and the refugee crisis resulting from the Khmer Rouge regime.

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Politics & Government

Norodom Sihanouk Resigns as Cambodia's Leader

April 2nd, 1976 48 years ago

Prince Norodom Sihanouk resigned as the leader of Cambodia and was placed under house arrest in April 1976. This change followed the Khmer Rouge's takeover of the country, marking a significant shift in Cambodian politics as Sihanouk, who had led the nation through turmoil, was sidelined. His resignation came amidst rising tensions and repression under the new regime, which spelled the end of his era as a prominent political figure in Cambodia.

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Politics & Government

Ratification of Democratic Kampuchea's Constitution

January 5th, 1976 49 years ago

The Khmer Rouge government in Cambodia ratified a new constitution for Democratic Kampuchea, marking a significant step in their governance ideology. This constitution was influenced by the party's radical communist principles, aiming to reshape Cambodian society. The announcement emphasized the leadership of Pol Pot and the party's vision for a new agricultural socialist state focused on self-sufficiency, rejecting foreign influences. This development occurred amid a backdrop of intense political repression and transformation in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime.

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Military & Warfare

Capture of SS Mayaguez by Kampuchea Forces

May 12th, 1975 49 years ago

On May 12, 1975, Democratic Kampuchea naval forces captured the SS Mayaguez, a U.S. merchant vessel, near Koh Tang island. This operation marked a significant moment in the post-Vietnam War era, highlighting the tensions in Southeast Asia following the Cambodian Civil War. The ship's crew was taken prisoner, prompting a military response from the United States aimed at rescuing them, which further escalated U.S.-Kampuchean relations.

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Military & Warfare

Khmer Rouge Seizes Phnom Penh

April 17th, 1975 49 years ago

The Khmer Rouge executed a military campaign culminating in the capture of Phnom Penh, marking a decisive moment in the Cambodian Civil War. On this day, Cambodian government forces surrendered to the Khmer Rouge, who had been advancing on the city for months. Their victory resulted in the establishment of a communist regime in Cambodia, significant change for the nation and its people due to the mass upheaval and subsequent cultural transformation.

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Politics & Government

Senate Cuts Funding for Bombing in Cambodia

May 31st, 1973 51 years ago

The United States Senate voted to cease funding for the bombing campaign targeting Khmer Rouge forces within Cambodia. This decision reflected the growing war fatigue in America and the desire to limit U.S. involvement in the Cambodian Civil War, which had been intensifying since the early 1970s. The vote emerged amid increasing public opposition to the Vietnam War and its spillover effects in neighboring Cambodia.

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Military & Warfare

Khmer Rouge Forces Capture Strategic Locations

December 1st, 1971 53 years ago

Khmer Rouge rebels launched intensified assaults against Cambodian government positions, resulting in significant territorial gains. The fighting escalated around Kompong Thmar and nearby Ba Ray, forcing government troops to retreat. This marked a critical moment in the Cambodian Civil War as the Khmer Rouge strengthened their grip on the countryside, showcasing their increasing military capabilities and strategic planning against a backdrop of political destabilization within Cambodia. The conflict's intensification illustrated the challenges faced by the government in asserting control over rural areas amidst a growing insurgency.

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