Lesson 63: A Brief Look at the French Colonial Period

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Fact & Info Desk

Lesson 63: Cambodian Culture & History (C1)

Research Mission: Read this historical overview of the French colonial period in Cambodia (1863–1953). Focus on the changing nature of the political relationship and the complex legacy left behind. Hover over advanced vocabulary for definitions.

Historical Brief: The French Protectorate (1863–1953)

The French presence in Cambodia officially began in 1863 with the signing of a treaty establishing a protectorate. King Norodom sought this alliance primarily as a strategic counterweight to the encroaching threats of Siam (Thailand) to the west and Annam (Vietnam) to the east, fearing the complete erasure of the Khmer kingdom.

While initially envisioned as a partnership to preserve Cambodian sovereignty, French control progressively tightened. By the late 19th century, Cambodia had effectively become a colony within French Indochina, with the Khmer monarch reduced to a largely ceremonial figurehead. French administration prioritized infrastructure development, urban planning in Phnom Penh, and the extensive archaeological restoration of Angkor. However, this came at a cost: heavy taxation of the peasantry and economic exploitation of resources to benefit the metropole.

The colonial period left a complex legacy. It defined modern Cambodia’s borders and preserved its ancient heritage, but it also suppressed indigenous political development. The rise of Khmer nationalism in the mid-20th century culminated in King Norodom Sihanouk’s “Royal Crusade for Independence,” fully achieved in 1953.

Academic Comprehension Check (C1)

1. What was King Norodom's primary motivation for initially signing the treaty with France in 1863?

2. How did the political relationship between France and Cambodia evolve over time?

3. Based on the text, what is part of the "complex legacy" of French rule?