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This Week in History: Week 01 (1 January 1979)

Khmer Rouge Is Overthrown In Cambodia

After nearly 4 years in power, the regime led by Pol Pot is brought down.

In 1979, the Communist Khmer Rouge government was overthrown by Vietnamese forces. Pol Pot's regime took power in 1975 after the corrupt Lon Nol government lost US support following the USA's defeat in Vietnam. The Khmer Rouge murdered thousands of Cambodians in their prisons. Hundreds of thousands more died from starvation and disease due to the regime's agricultural collectivization policies.

overthrow (verb): forcibly remove from power (usu. a government)
regime (noun): a government (esp. an autocratic or repressive one)
corrupt (adjective): without morals; not caring for what is right
starvation (noun): severe suffering or death caused by not having enough food to eat
collectivization (noun): a system of joint ownership and operation

Vietnamese-led forces liberate Phnom Phen
Vietnamese-led troops liberate Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, in 1979. The Khmer Rouge regime has lasted 3 years, 8 months and 20 days. Source: Le Monde

Mini Quiz

1. The Communist Khmer Rouge government in Cambodia was overthrown in 1979 by
a) the USA
b) Vietnam
c) Thailand

Show answer

b

2. The collectivist agricultural policy of Pol Pot's regime resulted in
a) increased food production
b) widespread starvation and disease
c) improved working conditions

Show answer

b

3. Which of these people would not be seen as "corrupt"?
a) a government official who takes bribes
b) a businessman who pays bribes
c) a journalist who investigates bribes

Show answer

c

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Contributor: Matt Errey. Matt is the author of several books including 1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context and Common English Idioms for learners, and Matt's ESL Games and Quizzes for teachers.