cambodia & the khmer rouge
InformationThe Khmer Rouge was the name given to followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea(CPK) in Cambodia. The party was formed in 1968. The CPK created the state of democratic Kampuchea in 1976 and rules the country until January 1979. The party's existence was kept a secret until 1977, and no one outside of the CPK new who its leaders were. Throughout the Khmer Rouge's reign, they set up policies that disregarded human life and produced repression and massacres on a massive scale. The nation was turned into a big detention center, which later served as the deathbed for nearly two million people, including their own members.
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Life under the Khmer Rouge |
After the Khmer Rouge gained power, they immediately around two million people into the countryside to preform agricultural work. Their primary goal was to transform Cambodia into a rural, classless society in which there were no wealthy people, no poor people, and no exploitation. In addition, the CPK deprived people of their basic rights and refused to allow any meeting or discussions to occur beneath them. Family relationships were also criticized in that people were forbidden to show even the slightest hint of affection, humor, or pity. Soon after seizing power, the Khmer Rouge arrested and killed thousands of soldiers in order to create "Pure People" and start the revolution. Also, Cambodians were expected to produce three tons of rice per hectare throughout the country.
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Analysis |
The Democratic Kampuchea was one of the worst human tragedies of the 20th century. Numerous Cambodians perished due to disease from a lack of medicine and treatment, starvation, and exhaustion from overwork. Those who lived through the regime were severely traumatized by their experiences. Thousands of Cambodians fled their country to become refugees. The government laid millions of mines which led to numerous deaths and disabilities since the 1980's. A vast majority of the population suffered from mental problems because their family members were lost and spirits were drowned. In conclusion, these factors add up to the problems of present day Cambodia.
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