The Communist Party of Kampuchea, also commonly known as the Khmer Rouge, was a radical political organization that governed Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Established in 1968, the party harnessed communist ideologies and implemented a Maoist-inspired revolution in the Southeast Asian country.
The Communist Party of Kampuchea aimed to transform Cambodia into an agrarian society based on a self-reliant, classless system. Led by Pol Pot, the party sought to eliminate social hierarchies, private property, and urbanization, instead prioritizing rural areas and agriculture. The party implemented a policy known as the "Year Zero," which involved a complete reformation of society, including forced agricultural collectivization, forced labor, and the extermination of perceived enemies of the state.
Under the rule of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, Cambodia experienced one of the deadliest and most brutal genocides in modern history. An estimated 1.7 to 2.5 million people lost their lives due to execution, forced labor, starvation, and disease. The party's rule ended in 1979 when the Vietnamese army invaded Cambodia and overthrew the Khmer Rouge regime.
The legacy of the Communist Party of Kampuchea is one of human suffering, political repression, and economic devastation. The atrocities committed by the party have left a lasting impact on Cambodia and its population. The Khmer Rouge's reign remains a dark chapter in world history, demonstrating the dangers and consequences associated with totalitarian regimes.
