Abstract

Hearing the vibrant country of Cambodia, one that might most remind us of its kaleidoscopic culture and heritage is the Angkor Wat. The latter is one of the most famous temple in the site for its awe- inspiring structure, also once held by UNESCO World Heritage as the largest pre- industrial City. Having said that, dating back to the early 18^th century, many Western European explorers were charmed and captivated by the scene. One of them was Henry Mouhut, a French naturalist and explorer who along with the other French explorers arrived in Cambodia in the early 1860’s. With the purpose of seeking to proliferate their commercial interests in Southeast Asia, they saw Cambodia as a fitted gateway. At this point in time, the country of Cambodia is pitted between Thai and Vietnamese clashes, urging Cambodia into entering a treaty as a protectorate of France, and French colonialism lasted for 90 years. With that being stated, for the several years that French colonialism spread throughout Cambodia, this analysis will take into account the different French contributions and influences to the colonized country and focusing mostly on the economic facet. This paper will not only layout the different contributions and influences but will also identify how relevant, beneficial, and substantial was the French colonialism to its colonized country, Cambodia.

Introduction

As the French explorers were bound to expand their mercenary and economic interests, ruling, and power, they stumbled upon the country of Cambodia and conceived it as a gateway to China particularly the Mekong River. At this time, the French had already captured and established a colony in southern Vietnam and were in dire desire of expanding their power over the region. The preyed country of Cambodia was long before pitted between the clash of Thai and Vietnamese forces for the preceding fifty years. The warfare of these forces caused a lot of country-wide damages, economic depletion, and terror. The colonizing country of France saw it as a mere opportunity to rule over the vulnerable country of Cambodia. Fearful as he is, the newly seated King Norodom sought or as others may say “accepted” to enter into a treaty with the French as them being a protectorate of the latter.

The establishment of the French Protectorate over Cambodia embarked the long 90 years of the French Colonization in the country. As obvious as it may have seemed that the step of establishing the treaty is fueled by economic and political considerations, but the motives are nearly impossible to be detangled. Later on, this paper shall set out the prime motives of the colonizing country and also address the different economic contributions, political pursuance, and cultural influences. Did the French really contribute on the economic boost Cambodia? If yes, what is/are their notable deeds. Are there any positive impacts that must be considered on this colonization? How much economically benefited is Cambodia in this colonization? All of these questions shall be tackled, analyzed, and concluded subsequently on this paper.

The Treaty of 1863 and the Beginning of the French Colonial Rule

In the 19th century, Cambodia was under threat to the Siam (modern day Thailand) and the Vietnamese, the clash between the former and the latter countries had greatly weakened the Cambodian Kingdom. The French initially planned to colonized the Cochinchina which is Southern Vietnam. After stumbling upon the country of Cambodia they seek to wander the place because of its rich natural resources like rubber and minerals, and saw a great opportunity to conquer the country because of it weak and vulnerable state. Due to the threat of its neighboring countries, Cambodia as currently ruled by King Norodom at that time requested a French Protectorate and later on known as the “Treaty of 1863”.

Under the French Colonial rule, King Norodom was so regnant. However, the king obtained little power over Cambodia. The French took dominance over foreign trade relations and provided military protection in accordance with the Treaty of 1863. Cambodia was able to gain independence in a short span of time when the French fall under Nazi Germany in 1940. But came the Japanese who acknowledged Cambodia’s enfeeblement and colonized them. After the World War II, the French regain its power to rule over Cambodia once again but this time King Norodom Sihanouk was urged to show persistence and gain their independence. After 90 long years, Cambodia gained its much desire independence and the French colonial rule ended by 1953.

French Economic Contributions and Influence

For over 90 years of French ruling over Cambodia, the former contributed to the latter’s economy and development. Since Cambodia is naturally rich in rubber and minerals, the French developed rubber plantations and exported rice. The two provinces of Batdambang and Siemreab became well-known and held as the ‘rice baskets’ of Indochina. The colonizing country also recognized the lack of development in Cambodia. The French seek to develop the economic infrastructure of Cambodia, they built a finite number of roads and railroads which extends from Phnom Penh through Batdambang to the Thai border. Many other provincial towns became developed after the French Protectorate. Up to this date there are still existing French structures and buildings in Cambodia like their National Library and UNESCO building. Economic Growth is evidently seen in Cambodia during the 1920’s. it is when rubber, rice, and corn were greatly in demand overseas and outside borders. But came the ‘Great Depression’ of 1929 which cause immense suffering among cultivators of rice, them being victimized by moneylenders.

The French ruled over the economic, political, and administrative area of Cambodia. the colonial government was open about trade and immigration. They post no restrictions on different economic activity and occupations to the country’s immigrants. This resulted to diverse workforce of Cambodia’s economy. Most of the immigrants were Vietnamese, they came to Cambodia to provide their clerical service, laborers on rubber plantations, and as soon as their numbers increased, Vietnamese took substantial roles in the economy as fishermen and even operators of small businesses.

Up to this day, Cambodian Rubber industry remained competitive and resilient throughout the market. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (2020) stated on a report that Cambodia exported 282,071 tons of rubber last year, a 30 per cent increase from 2018’s 217,501 tons. It is evident that the rubber industry of Cambodia is still growing and the country has established its name for being known in the particular industry.

References

Angkor.    (n.d.).    United    Nations    Educational,    Scientific,    and    Cultural    Organization. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668/

Cambodia profile - Timeline. (2018). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-

13006828

Chandler, D. (2009, July). Cambodian History- Searching for the Truth. Cambodia Tribunal Monitor. https://www.cambodiatribunal.org/history/cambodian-history/

Colonialism         and        Cambodia.        (2017,        November        18).        The         Globalist. https://www.theglobalist.com/colonialism-and-cambodia/

Thompson, R. (1945). The Far Eastern Quarterly. The Establishment of the French Protectorate Over Cambodia, 4, 313–340. https://www.jstor.org/stable/i309555

CAMBODIA: Rubber exports rise by 30 % year-on-year. (2020, January 30). Gupta-Verlag.

https://www.gupta-verlag.com/news/industry/23732/cambodia-rubber-exports-rise-by-30-

year-on-year

Syed, R. A., Karachi, & Pakistan. (2020, January 27). CAMBODIA: Rubber exports rise by 30 % year-on-

year. Daily “The Phnom Penh Post”, Phnom Penh. https://www.gupta-

verlag.com/news/industry/23732/cambodia-rubber-exports-rise-by-30-year-on-year