“Sihanouk was mainly responsible for the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.” Discuss.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Sihanouk was mainly responsible for the rise of the Khmer Rouge. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may refer to Sihanouk’s attempts to maintain Cambodian neutrality at the outbreak of the Vietnam War. However, North Vietnamese troops began to use Cambodian territory for supply routes and this resulted in US bombing raids. US bombing reduced support for Sihanouk as he seemed unable to prevent them and civilian casualties were growing. The raids also benefited the Khmer Rouge as people fled the cities for the countryside where the Khmer Rouge had more influence. Following Sihanouk’s removal from power, he began to support the Khmer Rouge which enabled them to further extend their influence. Long term social and economic problems in Cambodia as well as the popular appeal of the Khmer Rouge may also be discussed.