CAMBODIAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Delve into the independence period of Cambodia (1953-1970) through the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum. Explore Khmer life before the dark years, discuss the concept of independence, and learn about French Indochina's historical impact.
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CAMBODIAN AMERICAN STUDIES MODEL CURRICULUM 2024 Independence Period of Cambodia CASMC Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum
Opener What does it mean to live in a country that just declared independence?
Khmer Life Before the Dark Years: Introduction to the Independence Period of the Kingdom of Cambodia (1953-1970)
Acknowledgement This slide is dedicated in memory of those who perished under the communist regime of Democratic Kampuchea. The history of life before the dark years is to be known for this country was their home. This is an introduction to the World that once was during the Independence Period of the Kingdom of Cambodia (1953 1970).
Lesson Questions Unit Question: What was life like for the Khmer people during the Independence Period of Cambodia( 1953-1970)? Lesson Questions (Supporting Questions): What noticeable institutions were established during the Independence Period of Cambodia? How was Cambodia modernized during this time? In what ways is Khmer life in the city different from life in the rural countryside? Based on the media, What parallels and contrasts exist in Khmer life before the Civil War and life here in the United States?
What does it mean to have Independence? With a classmate, discuss with each other what does it mean to have independence? Consider the following when are having this discussion: 1. What does the word Independence mean? 2. What are the synonyms for the word Independence? 3. What are the antonyms for the word Independence? 4. Who have you heard this word from before? 5. Where has Independence been declared? 6. Why would someone want to have Independence?
French Indochina: 18581954 In the attempt to compete against rival European powers, the nation of France sought to obtain political and economic influence by acquiring new territories. The French took administration of these territories under their colonial watch. Laos: 1893 1953 Cambodia: 1863 1953 Tonkin: 1883 1948 Annam:1883 1948 Cochinchina: 1862 1949 Note: Thailand was used as a buffer against the British Empire who occupied Burma (Myanmar) Note: Tonkin, Annam, and Cochinchina became Vietnam.
Why Cambodia declared Independence from France In the 19th Century, the former empire of the Khmer Civilization was weakened as historic rivalries between Siam and Vietnam resulted in losses in territories. On August 11th, 1863 Officials from France and King Norodom signed the Treaty of Friendship,Commerce, and Friendship Protection that allows Cambodia to become a Protectorate of France, defending the territory from further incursion from Siam and the Vietnamese. In-return France has the authority to use Cambodia as a territory. The French Colonial Powers administered the affairs of the country, including the ability to extract resources and to tax inhabitants. With the exception of the Japanese Occupation of Indochina during WW2, Cambodia was continuously under French Rule. After returning to French Rule, the Indochina war began where rebels from the territories including Cambodia fought the colonial power.
Why Cambodia declared Independence from France 80 percent of Cambodian people live in the rural provinces The primary means of work people do in the village revolves around agriculture and fishing. In most villages, the pagoda (wat) serves as the center of education, culture, and community. Households in these villages are multi-generational with members of extended family living with them. A noticeable element of a typical rural khmer house is that it s built on stilts in preparation for flooding during the wet season. (Play footage of rural countryside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lPVqP6i9RM )
Who was King Norodom Sihanouk? A Brief biography DOB: October 31 1922 @ Phnom Penh Cambodia DOD: October 15 2012 @ Beijing, China The Son of Norodom Suramarit and Sisowath Kossomak Succeed his grandfather King Sisowath Monivong at age 18 Cambodian statesman who declared independence from France in 1953, earning the title Father of the Nation. (1. King Norodom is the union between the two lines of the Norodom and Sisowath Royal Families. He was selected by the French for this reason 2. After Cambodia was returned to French Control after the Japanese Occupation of World War 2 3. Include a Photo of King Norodom Sihanouk)
The Declaration of Independence of Cambodia On November 9th, 1953, Norodom Sihanouk at the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh declared National Independence from France The act of declaring independence from France legitimized Norodom Sihanouk in the eyes of Cambodia s citizen as the Father of the Nation In 1962, the Independence Monument designed by Vann Molyvann was unveiled to commemorate this historic event. (Independence Monument: A bicultural fusion of ancient Khmer architecture and modernized western design)
Efforts by King Norodom Sihanouk During the Sangkum Reastr Niyum administrations, national efforts were undertaken to modernize Cambodia. These modernization programs included the construction of new educational institutions, increased economic development programs in agriculture and production, and advanced urbanization of Phnom Penh. He was a prominent believer in Buddhist Socialism, the incorporation of Buddhist Principles on a societal level He had a career as a director and music composer who used his films to promote Cambodia s positive image to the World King Sihanouk was popular among Cambodians due to his charisma, intellect and leadership.
Cambodia 1965 This is a state produced video of the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1965 during the Independence period. Watch first 10 minutes of the video.
Response to Video From the video clip, what noticeable institutions were seen in the video? Why were these institutions important to Cambodia and Khmer identity of the time? How was life in the city of Phnom Penh different from life in the rural provinces ? What similarities and differences can we notice in the life of 1965 Cambodia and life in the USA? What was the overall attitude or atmosphere of the nation based on the footage? Select a question to answer
Jackie Kennedy 1967 visit to Cambodia In November 1967, Jackie Kennedy went to Cambodia to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting Angkor Wat through an invitation by King Sihanouk. During her stay, King Sihanouk gave her full itinerary tour of the country s best including a performance of Khmer Royal Ballet, feeding the Elephants at the Royal Palace, and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Despite Jackie Kennedy being a former-first lady, the moment was significant in the eyes of scholars for assisting in calming the tensions between the two countries after King Sihanouk severed diplomatic ties in 1965 with the United States
Footages of Jackie Kennedys Visit to Cambodia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW-rzFjgiiQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIuTvj1QGTM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8612ghM9gMk
Writing Prompt: Life as a student in Phnom Penh Imagine yourself in the life of a student in Phnom Penh on the day Jackie Kennedy came to visit Cambodia. Jackie Kennedy just arrived at the airport to be personally greeted by King Norodom Sihanouk. Her motorcade drove throughout the city where she waved to onlookers. Everyone expressed excitement over the former first-lady's visit to Cambodia, especially over the hope that this moment will help mend relationships between the USA and Cambodia. The teacher in your class expressed pride that Cambodia is getting the attention it deserves, that it can be as prosperous as the USA, and that the future will be bright. Write 250 500 words in the viewpoint of a student attending High School at the time. Describe how this moment was special to the student, the people, and the country as a whole. Include references to her visit depicted or mentioned in the clip. No references to Cambodian Civil War or Genocide since event did not happen yet in the timeline.
Storyboard: Life During the Independence Period Create a storyboard including 6 different parts that illustrate what life was like for the Khmer people during the Independence Period of Cambodia (1953 1970). Each part should include an illustration/visual element, and a caption. This can be done digitally or by hand. Information from the lesson content and sources should be included in the storyboard.
Suggested Reading Books Chandler, D. P. 2019. History of Cambodia (4th ed.). Routledge. Edwards, P. 2008. Cambodge: The Cultivation of a Nation, 1860-1945 (1st ed., Ser. Southeast Asia: Politics, Meaning, and Memory, 45). University of Hawai i Press. Web Davis, K. 2013, August 6. 1967 Jacqueline Kennedy visits Cambodia and Angkor Wat. Devata.org - Apsara & Devata of Angkor Wat. Retrieved August 12, 2022, from http://www.devata.org/1967- jacqueline-kennedy-visits-cambodia-and-angkor-wat/#.Yva2hv_MLrc Marissa. 2017, November 11. How Jackie Kennedy captured Cambodia's heart. Culture Trip. Retrieved August 12, 2022, from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/how-jackie- kennedy-captured-cambodias-heart/
