The Communist Party of Kampuchea, Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, took full control of Cambodia on April 17, 1975. This was the beginning of the most radical social reformation in the 20th century in an effort to form an absolutely classless society. The educated, the wealthy, civil servants or anyone who did not cooperate and follow the new communist leadership was executed. The Khmer Rouge's ultimate objective was to eradicate different class of people and create one society of peasants. There was no more banking and finance, no private ownership of property, and no religion.
People can no longer use money to buy merchandise.
Only goal was valuable for trading. Many people buried gold and diamonds to try to preserve their life because having something of value meant one was rich and therefore is a potential target for the Khmer Rouge to execute. I was 8 years old when the Khmer Rouge reigned. During the war, I've witnessed many horrible sights. Dead, swelled, naked body floating down the river where we bathe and drink.