He proclaims the Khmer Republic and sends the army to fight the North Vietnamese in Cambodia. Gradually, the army loses territory. Lon Nol is overthrown as the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot occupy Phnom Penh. Sihanouk briefly becomes head of state, the country is re-named Kampuchea. All urban dwellers are forcibly evacuated to the countryside to become agricultural workers.
Money becomes worthless, basic freedoms are curtailed and religion is banned.
Hundreds of thousands of the educated middle-classes are tortured and executed in special centres. Others starve, or die from disease or exhaustion. The total death toll during the next three years is estimated to be at least 1.7 million. Sihanouk resigns, Khieu Samphan becomes head of state, Pol Pot is prime minister. 1977 - Fighting breaks out with Vietnam.