We have to first understand WHY the French colonized Cambodia.
Firstly, Cambodia was weak and could serve as an excellent buffer zone between Cochin China and pro-British Siam. King Norodom of Cambodia also recognised that the French could protect his country and thus signed the treaty of protection.
Secondly, Cambodia is also a land route to the rich markets of China, allowing the French economical gain.
Thirdly, the colonizing of Cambodia helped the French advance in the competition with the British.
Lastly, the French was on a mission civilisatrice (civilising mission) and also wanted to promote economic development in colonial territories (mise en valeur).
Cambodia in my eyes can be said to be the epitome of the wealthiness of France, I was amazed how the French modernized the city of Phnom Penh, with paved roads everywhere, which were not present before.
I also took a walk around Cambodia's Royal Palace (begun by King Norodom in 1886). Although the buildings had distinct Cambodian features, French influence can be seen in the formal gardens which enhance the palace. There are also some European-style buildings on the grounds.
Even though I see all this modernity in Cambodia, I still noticed that there is a great deal of Cambodian natives who are uneducated. There are hardly any schools in the country!
However, I also enjoyed the historical sites that were not modernized by the French, the ruins of the ancient Khmer city and the temples at Angkor. The French did help to restore it after Siam returned Angkor to Cambodia. But the temples at Angkor still tell a story about the forefathers who built them.
The French also helped to revive the interest in traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. A Frenchman George Groslier designed the National Museum of Cambodia, showcasing traditional Cambodian arts and crafts.
Because of the revival instigated by the French, traditional Cambodian arts and crafts can still be appreciated today, bringing about a form of social continuity. Cambodian arts and crafts include textiles, stone carvings, weaving, silversmithing, ceramics, etc.
After French colonialism, the government in Cambodia changed. There is still a King in Cambodia, however he is merely a cultural symbol rather than a political leader as he does not carry much power. Cambodia is now governed by the Resident-General for Cambodia, appointed by France. The Resident-General held considerable power and the French perform the significant political activities and even decide on who should be King, even though the kings are merely figureheads. The French Resident-General's powers are close to absolute in matters of law, the police, taxation, budgets and public works. Thus the monarchy from before colonialism barely remains, bringing about a political change in Cambodia.
The French also did not put any sophisticated legal system in place so not many lawyers and judges are qualified.
On my journey in Cambodia, I also noticed that the French focused largely on the production of agricultural products and extraction of primary materials for export. This can provide them with high profits. Taxes and other revenues are other sources of money to cover the bill for Indochina's administration and defense.
As mentioned earlier, many things in Cambodia displayed the French wealth. The French government supports the development of infrastructure in Cambodia, and started building infrastructure such as port facilities, roadways and railways, etc.
Public works projects are being carried out to expand transportation networks that would bring products to markets and allow French to move around the country for administrative and other purposes.
After an eventful day learning so many new things about Cambodia, I had my dinner where I sampled traditional Cambodian food and also the French Baguette introduced to Cambodia because of colonialism.
Amok, a Khmer curry dish
The French Baguette is usually eaten with pâté in Cambodia.
A satisfying dinner to a satisfying day!
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