This narrative draws on open-access sources and standard historical scholarship. The sources below provide verification for specific claims made in the narrative.
Primary Sources
Boreth Ly: "Princess Norodom Buppha Devi: A Life Dedicated to Cambodian Dance" (2018)
Peer-reviewed academic article examining Princess Buppha Devi's role in reviving classical Cambodian dance during the Sihanouk era. Authored by Boreth Ly, professor of Asian Studies at UC Irvine, extensively documented with archival sources. Documents Princess Buppha Devi's childhood training and emergence as Royal Ballet prima ballerina, international performances for heads of state including JFK (1963), Paris premiere (1964), and Soviet Union tour (1968). Analyzes how classical dance connected contemporary Cambodia to Angkor artistic heritage and served as a symbol of national pride during the 1960s cultural renaissance.
Cambodianess: "North-Eastern Cambodia in the 1960s: A Story of Rural Development and Protecting the Border" (2024)
Long-form journalism by Documentation Center of Cambodia researcher, based on government archives and oral history interviews. Documents the Borei O'Svay development project with specific details: 250-300 families moved to Stung Treng province between 1964-1967, settlers received houses, land, cattle, and agricultural support including monthly rice allowances for 2.5 years. Lists extensive infrastructure built including schools, infirmaries, workshops, and Sihanouk's May 1968 visit to the project. Explains "Khmerization" strategy for border security.
Judy Ledgerwood: "Education in Cambodia" (Northern Illinois University)
Academic article by anthropologist examining Cambodia's educational system development. Authored by Judy Ledgerwood, recognized Cambodia scholar at NIU's Center for Southeast Asian Studies; uses Ministry of Education data. Documents that Cambodia had only one high school before 1953 (Lycée Sisowath) and describes substantial post-independence progress under Prince Sihanouk in the 1950s and 1960s, including expansion of elementary and secondary education throughout the country and establishment of vocational institutions, teacher-training centers, and universities.
Springback Magazine: "La Joie de Vivre" (2019)
Cultural journalism article on Cambodia's 1960s cultural renaissance, citing historian Kaliane Bradley. UK-based dance and performance magazine drawing on academic historians' research. Documents historian Kaliane Bradley's characterization of 1953-1970 as a "golden age" for Cambodia's film and music, Sihanouk's filmmaking activities (over 50 films produced), Cambodia's rock 'n' roll scene, and Princess Buppha Devi's ballet revival in the 1960s.
Additional Resources
Wikipedia Overview Articles
- Cinema of Cambodia: Overview with bibliography for locating film scholarship and preservation projects
- Education in Cambodia: Overview with citations to UNESCO data and educational histories
- Operation Menu: U.S. bombing campaign (1969-1970) with extensive footnotes to primary sources