Cambodia - Killing Fields

Our of a population of 7 million, the Khmer Rouge killed around 2 million Cambodians from 1975-1979. The leader Pot Pol tried to make Cambodia into a purely agricultural classless communist society. To accomplish this he abolished money, schooling, hospitals, the free market, private property and religion. In 1975 when they took power they evacuated the capital city and sent everyone to live and work in the villages. He set a goal to triple the rice production in the next 3 years which was impossible without the manpower or the tools available for that kind of production. People were forced to work long hours in the rice fields and were given very little food, many died of starvation or easily treatable illnesses. The Khmer Rouge also set out to purge society of anyone who had an education, owned a business, or spoke another language. They even killed anyone wearing glasses as this was seen as a sign that they could read. The educated and upper class of Cambodian society was basically wiped out within a few years.

The Killing Field is a mass grave where thousands of people were killed by the Khmer Rouge.

This seven story monument holds all the skulls and bones from the victims. Inside there are rows and rows of glass enclosed shelves packed with skulls. It is a very sobering site.




After heavy rains, bones and clothing are still surfacing
Khmer Rouge mandatory clothing, shoes were made from tires

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