Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the Khmer Rouge's primary motivation for evacuating cities upon seizing control of Cambodia?
Which of the following best describes the Khmer Rouge's primary motivation for evacuating cities upon seizing control of Cambodia?
- To protect the population from potential U.S. bombings and to 'cleanse' urban centers of perceived corruption. (correct)
- To facilitate the redistribution of wealth and resources to rural areas.
- To consolidate political power by relocating potential opposition to remote locations for easier control.
- To stimulate agricultural production by increasing the rural labor force with skilled urban workers.
The administrative structure of Democratic Kampuchea divided the country into zones. Which statement accurately reflects the governance of these zones?
The administrative structure of Democratic Kampuchea divided the country into zones. Which statement accurately reflects the governance of these zones?
- Each zone was governed by a democratically elected council responsible for local policy decisions.
- Each zone was overseen by a regional party secretary who reported directly to the central leadership of the Communist Party. (correct)
- Each zone specialized in a particular industry or agricultural product to contribute to the national economy, as directed by the central government.
- Each zone operated autonomously with minimal oversight from the central government in Phnom Penh.
What was the intended purpose of establishing high-level cooperatives throughout Democratic Kampuchea under the Khmer Rouge regime?
What was the intended purpose of establishing high-level cooperatives throughout Democratic Kampuchea under the Khmer Rouge regime?
- To promote free-market principles and encourage individual entrepreneurship within a collective framework.
- To foster technological innovation in agriculture and industry through collaborative research and development initiatives.
- To create self-sufficient communities capable of resisting external influences and maintaining cultural traditions.
- To facilitate collective living and working arrangements, thereby eliminating private property and consolidating state control over resources and production. (correct)
How did the Khmer Rouge regime categorize and treat 'New People'?
How did the Khmer Rouge regime categorize and treat 'New People'?
What role did mass weddings serve within the social engineering policies of the Khmer Rouge regime?
What role did mass weddings serve within the social engineering policies of the Khmer Rouge regime?
Which factor was a key contributor to the downfall of the Democratic Kampuchea regime?
Which factor was a key contributor to the downfall of the Democratic Kampuchea regime?
What was the significance of the term 'Organization' during the rule of the Khmer Rouge in Democratic Kampuchea?
What was the significance of the term 'Organization' during the rule of the Khmer Rouge in Democratic Kampuchea?
How did the Khmer Rouge leadership attempt to eliminate traditional societal structures within Cambodia?
How did the Khmer Rouge leadership attempt to eliminate traditional societal structures within Cambodia?
In the context of the Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea, which demographic was granted the largest representation in the People's Assembly?
In the context of the Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea, which demographic was granted the largest representation in the People's Assembly?
Which key leader held the position of President of the National Assembly in Democratic Kampuchea?
Which key leader held the position of President of the National Assembly in Democratic Kampuchea?
Flashcards
April 17, 1975
April 17, 1975
The date the Khmer Rouge took control of Phnom Penh.
Evacuation of Cities
Evacuation of Cities
Forcible removal of people from cities to rural areas by the Khmer Rouge.
Abolition of Institutions
Abolition of Institutions
Elimination of markets, currency, schools, and religious institutions under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Cooperatives
Cooperatives
Signup and view all the flashcards
Key Leaders (1976-1978)
Key Leaders (1976-1978)
Signup and view all the flashcards
250 Seats
250 Seats
Signup and view all the flashcards
"New People"
"New People"
Signup and view all the flashcards
"Organization"
"Organization"
Signup and view all the flashcards
Factors in the Collapse
Factors in the Collapse
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pol Pot
Pol Pot
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge gained control of Phnom Penh, along with other major Cambodian towns.
Policies of Democratic Kampuchea
- The Khmer Rouge evacuated people from cities to "cleanse" them, also fearing U.S. bombings and lacking resources for urban populations.
- Markets, currency, schools, and religious institutions were abolished by the Khmer Rouge, with monks forced into labor and traditional societal structures dismantled.
- Intellectuals, former government officials, and perceived opponents were targeted for execution.
- High-level cooperatives were established nationwide, with people living and working collectively.
- Vietnamese residents were expelled, and conflicts initiated with Vietnam.
Administrative Divisions
- The country was divided into seven zones, each overseen by a regional party secretary:
- Eastern Zone (203) was led by So Phim, who was assassinated in 1978.
- Southwestern Zone (405) was led by Chhin Thoeun, also known as Ta Mok, who died in 2006.
- Western Zone (401) was led by Chou Chet.
- Northwestern Zone (560) was led by Nhim Ros, who was killed in 1978.
- Northern Zone (303) was initially led by Koy Thuon, who was killed in 1976, succeeded by Ke Pok, and later Kang Chap in 1977.
- Northeastern Zone (108) was led by Nay Savann, who was killed in 1976.
- The Special Zone included Phnom Penh and surrounding areas; after April 17, 1975, it encompassed Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom Province, and Siem Reap Province as an autonomous region.
State Structure and the Communist Party of Kampuchea
- Leadership from 1976-1978 included:
- Khieu Samphan as Head of State.
- Nuon Chea as President of the National Assembly.
- Pol Pot as Prime Minister.
- Deputy Prime Ministers included Ieng Sary (Foreign Affairs), Vorn Veth (Economy), and Son Sen (National Defense).
- Communist Party Leadership:
- Party Secretary was Pol Pot.
- Deputy Secretary was Nuon Chea.
Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea
- A new constitution was enacted on January 5, 1976, establishing a 250-seat People’s Assembly.
- 150 seats were allocated for peasants.
- 50 seats were allocated for workers.
- 50 seats were allocated for the Revolutionary Army.
Life Under the Khmer Rouge
- People were compelled to work 12 to 15 hours daily with inadequate food, clothing, and shelter.
- “Old People” were long-term rural inhabitants, further divided based on loyalty.
- “New People” were urban residents relocated after April 17, 1975.
- Mass weddings were organized without traditional customs, with couples having limited time together before returning to work and refusal to comply could result in execution.
Collapse of Democratic Kampuchea
- The regime collapsed because of widespread discontent among the population.
- Internal purges caused mistrust and elimination within the party ranks.
- War with Vietnam weakened the regime.
Additional Information
- “Organization” referred to the Communist Party, which controlled legislative, executive, and judicial functions.
- Pol Pot, born Saloth Sar in 1925 in Kampong Thom province, died on April 15, 1998, and was cremated on April 17, 1998.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
