Activity 1 - How did the conflict develop?

  1. Explore - Complete this worksheet examining the course of the Cambodian Civil War. Using the Lesson Presentation and any other resources, investigate the actions of both the Cambodian Government and Khmer Rouge forces.
  2. Locate - Research the chronology of the war and create a timeline to show the main events, 1967 to 1975. Arrange the notes on your worksheets to show this.
  3. Write - What were the most significant turning points of the conflict? Pick three events and explain.

Activity 2 - The nature of the fighting

  1. Research - In small groups, research one of the following military operations of the Cambodian Civil War and then create a short 2-3 mins presentation for your class. Use text, maps, images and videos to:
    1. What were the aims of the operation?
    2. What forces and equipment were involved?
    3. What strategies and tactics were used?
    4. What was the outcome and significance of the operation?
    5. Summary - What does it reveal about the nature of the fighting?
  2. Select - Choose one of these military operations to explore:
    1. 1967 - Samlaut Uprising (KR Insurgency)
    2. 1969 - Operation Menu (US Air Campaign)
    3. 1970 - Campaign X (PAVN Ground Campaign)
    4. 1970 - The Cambodian Campaign (US/ARVN Ground Campaign)
    5. 1970 - Operation Freedom Deal (US Air Campaign)
    6. 1970 - Operation Chenla I (FANK Ground Campaign)
    7. 1971 - Operation Chenla II (FANK Ground Campaign)
    8. 1975 - Fall of Phnom Penh (KR Campaign)
  3. Discuss - After reviewing, discuss the following questions as a class:
    1. What mistakes did the Khmer Government make in the war?
    2. Why were Khmer Rouge tactics so effective?
    3. Was foreign support more of a help or hindrance to both sides?
    4. What could government forces have done differently?

Activity 3 - What forces fought in the war?

  1. Research - Research the differences between both the Khmer Government and Khmer Rouge forces. Complete this worksheet by noting down key facts about the force structure, foreign support, strategy and tactics, and key leaders:
    1. Weapons of the Cambodian Civil War 
  2. Discuss - To what extent was Khmer Rouge success dependent on foreign support? Could they have defeated the Khmer Republic without this?

Further Reading

OBLIGATORY READING
  1. Conboy, K., & Bowra, K. (1989). Osprey Men-at-Arms Series: The War in Cambodia, 1970-75, pp. 3-7, 12-24, 33-38
RECOMMENDED READING
  1. Sanders, V. (2015). Access to History: The Cold War in Asia 1945-93, pp. 214-219
SUPPLEMENTAL READING
  1. https://alphahistory.com/vietnamwar/vietnam-war-timeline-cambodia/
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