ABSTRACT
A major part of modern Cambodian history is dominated by the complicated nature of Cambodian-Vietnamese relations. History of violent relations between Cambodia and its neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam, run deep through Cambodian collective memory. The communist movement in Cambodia was hit by one disaster after another. The Cambodian military responded to the revolt by attacking the villagers and burning houses, forcing hundreds or even thousands of farmers to flee into the nearby jungle and mountains. On 18 March 1970, when Prince Sihanouk was on an official visit abroad, the right-wing politicians and the military carried out a coup to depose the Prince. Upon taking over, the Khmer Rouge established a new government called Democratic Kampuchea. At the outset, the Khmer Rouge leaders sought to undermine Prince Sihanouk, who was seen as a liability and not trustworthy. The Khmer Rouge's second major strategy was to reaffirm the collectivization of private property to maximize rice production.
