Khmer Rouge
A name given to members of the Communist Party of Kampuchea which ruled Cambodia
Real World Example
The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was a brutal communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. During their rule, they attempted to create a classless agrarian society, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people due to starvation, forced labor, and executions. This period, known as the Cambodian Genocide, was significant during the Cold War as it highlighted the extremes of communist regimes and the global struggle between communism and democracy. Today, their legacy serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of totalitarian regimes and the importance of human rights. For example, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh serves as a powerful educational site, teaching visitors and locals about the atrocities and the importance of preventing such events in the future.
