In 1953, after nearly a century of French colonial rule, Cambodia gained its independence. Prince Norodom Sihanouk, who had maneuvered skillfully to secure Cambodia's sovereignty, became the central figure of the nation's post-colonial era. He abdicated the throne in 1955 to lead the government directly, establishing a political movement called Sangkum Reastr Niyum (People's Socialist Community) that would dominate Cambodian politics for the next fifteen years.
The 1960s became known as a cultural "golden age" for Cambodia. Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, Sihanouk's daughter, led a revival of classical royal ballet, training dancers in ancient techniques and performing for audiences around the world. The Cambodian film industry flourished, with directors producing hundreds of films that blended traditional stories with modern sensibilities. Sihanouk himself became an enthusiastic filmmaker, directing and producing more than fifty films. Music, arts, and literature thrived in what seemed like a national cultural renaissance.
The government expanded education dramatically after independence. While the French had built just one high school for the entire country, Cambodia now constructed schools across provinces and cities, trained thousands of teachers, and established universities in Phnom Penh. Rural development programs resettled families to border regions, building infrastructure and providing land to farmers and retired soldiers.
However, the period's achievements existed alongside growing problems. Sihanouk's government tolerated no political opposition, suppressing dissent and driving critics underground. The economy remained heavily dependent on agriculture, and rural areas lagged far behind modernizing cities like Phnom Penh. Corruption became widespread, and wealth concentrated in urban centers while the countryside remained poor.
As the Vietnam War intensified in the late 1960s, Cambodia's position became increasingly precarious. Sihanouk pursued a neutralist foreign policy, attempting to balance between the United States and communist powers. He allowed North Vietnamese forces to use Cambodian border areas as sanctuary, which brought secret American bombing campaigns starting in 1969. These pressures, combined with domestic economic troubles and political tensions, culminated in March 1970 when General Lon Nol, Sihanouk's prime minister, overthrew him in a coup.
The Sihanouk era demonstrated Cambodia's post-colonial aspirations and achievements while revealing the contradictions that would contribute to the conflicts of the 1970s. Understanding this period requires recognizing both genuine cultural flourishing and political authoritarianism, along with modernization efforts amidst persistent inequalities.