Reading Lesson 8: Cambodian History

Introduction:

Cambodia has a long and fascinating history, full of triumphs and challenges. In this lesson, we’ll take a journey back in time to explore some of the key events and figures that have shaped this nation.

Reading:

The history of Cambodia dates back thousands of years. One of the most glorious periods was the Angkorian era, from the 9th to the 15th centuries. During this time, the Khmer Empire, centered around Angkor, became one of the most powerful and prosperous empires in Southeast Asia.

The Angkorian kings built magnificent temples and palaces, including the world-famous Angkor Wat. They developed a sophisticated irrigation system that supported a thriving agricultural economy.

However, the Khmer Empire eventually declined, and in the 15th century, Angkor was abandoned. Cambodia then entered a period of instability and conflict, marked by wars with neighboring countries.

In the 19th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate. The French colonial period brought significant changes to the country, including the introduction of Western education and infrastructure.

In 1953, Cambodia gained independence from France. However, the country soon descended into civil war, culminating in the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, imposed a brutal regime that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians.

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Cambodia began a long process of rebuilding and reconciliation. Today, the country is a constitutional monarchy and a member of ASEAN.

Vocabulary:

• empire (noun): an extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, formerly especially an emperor or empress.
• prosperous (adjective): bringing wealth and success.
• magnificent (adjective): impressively beautiful, elaborate, or extravagant; striking.
• irrigation (noun): the supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by means of channels.
• protectorate (noun): a state that is controlled and protected by another.
• regime (noun): a government, especially an authoritarian one.

Tasks:

1. Answer the Questions:
   • What was the Angkorian era?
   • What is Angkor Wat?
   • Why did the Khmer Empire decline?
   • When did Cambodia become a French protectorate?
   • What was the Khmer Rouge?
2. Create a Timeline:
   • Create a timeline of key events in Cambodian history, including:
     • The rise and fall of the Khmer Empire
     • The French colonial period
     • Independence from France
     • The Khmer Rouge regime
     • The end of the Khmer Rouge and the rebuilding of Cambodia
3. Historical Figures Matching:
   • Match the following historical figures with their descriptions:
     • King Suryavarman II – builder of Angkor Wat
     • Pol Pot – leader of the Khmer Rouge
     • Norodom Sihanouk – former king of Cambodia
4. Short Essay:
   • Choose one aspect of Cambodian history that interests you (e.g., the Angkorian era, the French colonial period, the Khmer Rouge regime).
   • Write a short essay (1-2 paragraphs) about it, including what you learned from the lesson and why you find it interesting.

Answer Key:

1. Answer the Questions:
   • The period from the 9th to 15th centuries when the Khmer Empire flourished.
   • A magnificent temple complex built during the Angkorian era.
   • Factors such as overexpansion, environmental changes, and internal conflict.
   • In the 19th century.
   • A brutal communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979.
2. Create a Timeline: (Check student’s timelines for accuracy and completeness)
3. Historical Figures Matching: (Answers are provided above)
4. Short Essay: (Allow for individual answers, but assess for historical accuracy and clear expression)

Outro:

History is a window into the past that helps us understand the present. By learning about Cambodia’s rich and complex history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its culture, people, and place in the world.