Pol Pot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pol Pot
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ប៉ុល ពត
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Pol Pot in May 1978
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| General Secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea | |
| In office 22 February 1963 – 6 December 1981 |
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| Deputy | Nuon Chea |
| Preceded by | Tou Samouth (1962) |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished (party dissolved) |
| Supreme Leader of Democratic Kampuchea | |
| De facto 17 April 1975 – 7 January 1979 In exile: 7 January 1979 – December 1979 |
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| President | Norodom Sihanouk Khieu Samphan |
| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Khieu Samphan |
| Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea | |
| In office 25 October 1976 – 7 January 1979 In exile: 7 January 1979 – December 1979 |
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| President | Khieu Samphan |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Nuon Chea (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Khieu Samphan Pen Sovan (1981) |
| In office 14 April 1976 – 27 September 1976 |
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| President | Khieu Samphan |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Khieu Samphan (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nuon Chea (acting) |
| Commander-in-chief of Kampuchea Revolutionary Army | |
| In office 1977–1979 |
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| General Secretary of the Party of Democratic Kampuchea | |
| In office 1981–1985 |
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| Preceded by | Himself (as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea) |
| Succeeded by | Khieu Samphan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Saloth Sâr
19 May 1925 Prek Sbauv, Kampong Thom, Kingdom of Cambodia, Indochinese Union, French Republic |
| Died | 15 April 1998 (aged 72) Choam, Oddar Meanchey, Kingdom of Cambodia |
| Political party |
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| Spouses |
Khieu Ponnary
(m. 1956; div. 1979)Mea Son
(m. 1986) |
| Relations | Saloth family |
| Children | Sar Patchata |
| Education | EFREI (no degree) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch/service | Kampuchea Revolutionary Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars |
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Pol Pot, born Saloth Sâr (May 19, 1925 – April 15, 1998), was a Cambodian leader. He led a group called the Khmer Rouge. They took control of Cambodia in 1975 and renamed it Democratic Kampuchea. During his time in power, the Khmer Rouge caused the deaths of many people, estimated to be between 1.5 and 2 million. This was about a quarter of Cambodia's population at the time. In 1978, Vietnam invaded Cambodia and removed Pol Pot's government from power. The Khmer Rouge then continued to fight from rural areas. Pol Pot is remembered as a very harsh leader in modern history.
Pol Pot was born Saloth Sâr in a village called Prek Sbauv in Cambodia. His family were successful farmers. He went to some of the best schools in Cambodia. In 1949, he received a scholarship to study in Paris, France. While there, he became interested in communist ideas and joined the French Communist Party.
He returned to Cambodia in 1953. He joined a group fighting against the government of King Norodom Sihanouk. After this group retreated, Pol Pot went back to the capital city, Phnom Penh. He worked as a teacher but also continued to be involved in the communist movement. In 1959, he helped create the Kampuchean Labour Party, which later became the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK).
To avoid being arrested, he moved to a hidden camp in the jungle in 1962. By 1963, he became the CPK's leader. In 1968, he started a war against King Sihanouk's government. When another leader, Lon Nol, took power in 1970, Pol Pot's forces joined with the former King Sihanouk to fight against Lon Nol's new government. With help from Vietnamese groups, the Khmer Rouge took control of all of Cambodia by 1975.
Contents
Understanding Pol Pot's Leadership
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Cambodia
Pol Pot was born Saloth Sâr in Prek Sbauv, a village near Kampong Thom. His family was part Chinese and part Khmer, but they lived as Khmer people. His father was a successful farmer who owned a good amount of land. His mother was a respected Buddhist. Saloth Sâr was one of nine children. His family practiced Theravada Buddhism.
Cambodia was a monarchy, but France controlled the country at that time. Saloth Sâr's family had connections to the royal family. His cousin, Meak, was close to King Sisowath Monivong. When Saloth Sâr was six, he lived with Meak in Phnom Penh. He spent 18 months as a young monk, learning about Buddhism and how to read and write Khmer.
In 1935, he started primary school at École Miche, a Catholic school. He learned French and about Christianity. He wasn't the best student and had to repeat two years. He finished primary school in 1943 when he was 18.
Student Years in Paris
After finishing primary school, Saloth Sâr went to a middle school in Kampong Cham. He learned to play the violin and enjoyed sports. Some of his classmates later worked in his government. In 1949, he earned a scholarship to study radio electronics in Paris, France.
In Paris, Saloth Sâr became friends with other Cambodian students, including Ieng Sary. They discussed how to make Cambodia independent. He joined a secret group called the "Marxist Circle." This group studied the ideas of Karl Marx and other communist thinkers like Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong. Saloth Sâr also joined the French Communist Party.
He found some of Marx's writings difficult to understand. However, he was inspired by ideas about revolution and creating a society where everyone was equal. In 1953, King Sihanouk dismissed the government in Cambodia. Saloth Sâr decided to return home to help the rebel groups. He had also lost his scholarship because he failed his exams.
Becoming a Revolutionary Leader
Returning to Cambodia
Saloth Sâr arrived back in Cambodia in January 1953. The country was in a civil war. He joined the Khmer Việt Minh, a group fighting against the French and the Cambodian government. He believed this group was the best choice for change.
He worked with the Khmer Việt Minh for nine months. He learned some Vietnamese and became an assistant to Tou Samouth, a leader in the group. In 1953, King Sihanouk declared Cambodia's independence from France. After a peace conference in 1954, the Vietnamese agreed to withdraw their forces. Saloth Sâr chose to stay in Cambodia and continue his revolutionary work through political means.
Building the Communist Party
Cambodian communists created a political party called Pracheachon to take part in the 1955 elections. However, the elections were unfair, and King Sihanouk's party won all the seats. This made it clear that communists could not gain power through elections.
Saloth Sâr rented a house in Phnom Penh and worked as a teacher. He taught history, geography, and French literature. He married Khieu Ponnary, another communist revolutionary, in 1956. He became a key link for communication within the communist movement. He and other leaders believed Cambodians should be more independent from Vietnamese influence. They secretly formed new party groups.
In 1959, the movement's leaders created the Kampuchean Labour Party. Saloth Sâr, Tou Samouth, and Nuon Chea were part of its leadership. The party's existence was kept secret. In 1960, Samouth became the party secretary, and Saloth Sâr took the third most important position.
King Sihanouk cracked down on socialists, arresting many leaders. In 1962, Samouth was arrested and killed. Saloth Sâr then became the party leader. He and Ieng Sary left Phnom Penh for a hidden camp in the jungle. From then on, he became a full-time revolutionary.
The Cambodian Civil War
Fighting Against the Government
Life in the jungle camps was difficult with little food. More members joined Saloth Sâr as the government increased arrests in Phnom Penh. In 1963, Saloth Sâr was officially elected party secretary. He then moved his camp to the border with South Vietnam. The party decided to fight against Sihanouk's government.
In 1965, Saloth Sâr traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, and then to Beijing, China. He met with leaders like Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong. He learned from China's Cultural Revolution and received training on political purges. He believed that Vietnamese communists were focused on their own goals, which might not align with Cambodia's.
In 1966, the party secretly renamed itself the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK). Sihanouk called its members the "Khmer Rouge," meaning "Red Cambodians." The CPK decided to move its headquarters away from Vietnamese influence and prepare for armed conflict. In January 1968, they launched their war with an attack on an army post. The government's harsh response helped the rebels gain more supporters.
Taking Control of Cambodia
In March 1970, while Saloth Sâr was in Beijing, Lon Nol removed King Sihanouk from power. Sihanouk then formed an alliance with the Khmer Rouge to fight Lon Nol's new government. This alliance helped the Khmer Rouge grow rapidly, as many peasants joined to support the King.
In April 1970, Saloth Sâr returned to Vietnam. He wanted weapons but not troops from Vietnam. However, Vietnamese armies invaded Cambodia to fight Lon Nol. The United States also sent troops to support Lon Nol. This brought Cambodia into the Vietnam War. The U.S. dropped many bombs on Cambodia, which mostly affected civilians and helped the Khmer Rouge gain more recruits.
By 1970, Saloth Sâr began calling himself "Pol Pot." He and other leaders focused on building a strong Khmer Rouge army. They became more selective about who could join the party, preferring "poor peasants." In 1971, Pol Pot was confirmed as the Secretary of the Central Committee.
In 1972, Pol Pot toured areas controlled by the Khmer Rouge. They banned gambling and discouraged alcohol. Land was redistributed to the poorest families. The Khmer Rouge wanted all of Cambodia to be like the poor peasantry. They ordered everyone to dress like peasants in black clothes and traditional scarves. Pol Pot also dressed this way.
By 1972, relations between the Khmer Rouge and their Vietnamese allies became tense. The Vietnamese began to withdraw their main forces. In 1973, Pol Pot ordered villages to collectivize, meaning private property was abolished. Many villagers resisted this change. The Khmer Rouge also started drafting people into their forces. Pol Pot became suspicious of members who had spent time in North Vietnam and had many of them arrested.
In 1974, the Khmer Rouge decided to empty Cambodia's cities. They believed this was necessary to destroy capitalism and create a new society. In April 1975, the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh. They executed many government and military officials. They then forced over 2.5 million people to leave the city and march to rural areas. This march was very difficult, and many people died. The Khmer Rouge believed emptying the cities would help them control the country and focus on farming.
Ruling Democratic Kampuchea
Creating a New Society
After taking Phnom Penh, Pol Pot and other Khmer Rouge leaders met to plan their new government. They decided that increasing farm production was the most important goal. Pol Pot believed that a strong agricultural base would protect Cambodia from outside influence. They aimed for rapid farm mechanization and industrial growth.
The Khmer Rouge wanted Cambodia to be self-sufficient. While China provided some food and weapons, this was not openly discussed. Pol Pot also visited China and North Korea, meeting with leaders like Mao Zedong and Kim Il Sung. Mao advised him not to simply copy other countries' paths to socialism.
Pol Pot's wife, Khieu Ponnary, suffered from mental illness and was sent to live in a separate house. To make his government seem more legitimate, Pol Pot held an election, but there was only one candidate in most areas. The parliament met for only three hours.
Initially, the Khmer Rouge kept their control secret. King Sihanouk was made the official head of state, but he later resigned. Pol Pot's government then openly declared that the "socialist revolution" had begun. They renamed the country "Democratic Kampuchea." Pol Pot became the new prime minister and used the public name "Pol Pot." His key allies, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, took other important roles.
The Khmer Rouge abolished money, religion, and private property. All citizens were forced to wear the same black clothing. People were expected to work without pay. If they refused, they faced severe punishment. Pol Pot's government set high quotas for rice production.
Life Under Khmer Rouge Rule
All Cambodians living in rural areas were divided into three groups: full-rights members, candidates, and depositees. Full-rights members, mostly poor peasants, had access to full food rations and could hold political positions. The "new people" (those from cities) were often treated harshly. Pol Pot wanted to increase Cambodia's population significantly.
Khmer Rouge soldiers often killed people they considered "bad elements." Many were buried in mass graves. While some areas faced starvation, most managed to avoid it in the first year.
The government introduced a ten-day work week with one day off. They used loudspeakers and radio to spread messages about hard work and loyalty to Cambodia. People were encouraged to use "we" instead of "I." Movement was restricted, and people needed permission to travel.
Children over seven were separated from their parents and lived communally with Khmer Rouge instructors. Communal kitchens were introduced, and hunting for extra food was forbidden. These policies led to food shortages and widespread suffering.
Khmer Rouge members received special privileges, including better food and access to medical treatment in China for top leaders.
Dealing with Disagreement
The Khmer Rouge government had a policy of state atheism, meaning all religions were banned. Buddhist monks were forced into manual labor.
Some revolts broke out against Pol Pot's government. In September 1976, many party members were arrested. They were accused of working with Vietnam to overthrow the government. These members were often coerced to confess. Trusted party members were sent to different regions to carry out more arrests.
The Khmer Rouge converted a secondary school in Phnom Penh into a security prison called S-21. It was a place where people considered enemies of the government were killed. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people died at S-21. Pol Pot never visited the prison himself.
From late 1976, violence increased across Democratic Kampuchea. Young Khmer Rouge members killed people they disliked. Many Cambodians tried to escape to Thailand and Vietnam. By August 1977, thousands of party members had been killed as "enemy agents." In 1978, a second wave of killings targeted those suspected of supporting Vietnam.
Cambodia's Relationships with Other Countries
Publicly, relations between Cambodia and Vietnam seemed friendly. However, privately, tensions grew. Cambodia accused Vietnam of being imperialist.
China became Cambodia's main international partner. China saw Pol Pot's government as a way to counter Vietnamese influence. China pledged significant aid and sent military advisors to Cambodia. However, China had little influence on Pol Pot's internal policies.
After Mao Zedong died in 1976, Pol Pot visited Beijing to maintain the alliance with China. China was the only country allowed to keep its old embassy in Phnom Penh. Other diplomats were restricted to assigned quarters. Pol Pot wanted other revolutionary movements to follow Cambodia's example. He welcomed Marxist leaders from other Southeast Asian countries.
The Human Cost of the Regime
Historians estimate that between 1.5 million and 2 million Cambodians died under Khmer Rouge rule. This was about 21% to 24% of the country's population in 1975. Many died from executions, lack of food, and harsh working conditions. Some estimates suggest that executions accounted for a large portion of these deaths.
After the Khmer Rouge were removed from power, an estimated 300,000 more Cambodians died from starvation between 1979 and 1980, due to the lasting effects of Pol Pot's policies.
The End of Pol Pot's Power
The Vietnamese Invasion
In December 1976, the Communist Party of Kampuchea prepared for war with Vietnam. Pol Pot believed Vietnam wanted to expand its territory and threatened Cambodia's independence. Border clashes increased in 1977. Cambodian troops attacked Vietnamese villages, killing civilians. Vietnam responded with bombings.
In December 1978, Vietnam launched a large-scale invasion of Cambodia with 50,000 troops. Cambodia formally ended diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Pol Pot ordered his military to fight aggressively. However, the Vietnamese Politburo decided that Pol Pot must be removed from power. Vietnam began training Cambodian refugees to form a new government.
Pol Pot tried to create a cult of personality around himself, similar to those in China and North Korea. Large photos and busts of him were made to unite the population. However, this cult was never fully implemented.
The failure of Cambodian troops to stop the Vietnamese made Pol Pot suspicious of his own military leaders. He ordered a purge of the Eastern Zone, leading to more arrests and killings. Many Eastern Zone soldiers rebelled and fled to Vietnam.
Life After Losing Power
On December 25, 1978, the Vietnamese Army launched its full invasion. Pol Pot and other leaders fled Phnom Penh on January 7, 1979. The Vietnamese installed a new government led by Heng Samrin, made up of Cambodian exiles. This new government renamed Cambodia the "People's Republic of Kampuchea".
The Khmer Rouge turned to China for support. China urged them to continue a guerrilla war and form a broad alliance against the Vietnamese. China also attacked northern Vietnam to draw Vietnamese troops away from Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge also received support from the United States and other non-Marxist countries in Southeast Asia.
In July 1979, Pol Pot set up a new headquarters and began using the name "Phem." He stopped wearing black uniforms and ordered an end to executions. In December, Khieu Samphan replaced Pol Pot as prime minister of Democratic Kampuchea. This allowed Pol Pot to focus on the war and improve the Khmer Rouge's image.
Many young Cambodians joined the Khmer Rouge to fight the Vietnamese. By 1980, the Khmer Rouge claimed to have 40,000 troops. In 1981, Pol Pot aimed to gain popular support. He traveled to Beijing and met with Chinese leaders.
In December 1981, Pol Pot dissolved the Communist Party of Kampuchea. This decision surprised many members. He proposed a new "Movement of Nationalists." This change reflected global events, as his anti-Vietnamese army was supported by capitalist countries, while Vietnam was backed by Marxist countries. The Khmer Rouge ended collective eating and allowed individual possessions. Pol Pot admitted that his previous administration had made mistakes.
In 1982, the Khmer Rouge joined other factions to form the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK). This group opposed the Vietnamese-backed government in Phnom Penh. In 1983, Pol Pot was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. The Vietnamese Army launched a major offensive in 1984, pushing Pol Pot's forces into Thailand.
In 1985, Pol Pot resigned as commander-in-chief of the Khmer Rouge forces, but he still had a lot of influence. He married a young woman named Mea, and they had a daughter, Sitha. He received cancer treatment in Beijing.
His Final Years and Death
The end of the Cold War changed international support for the Khmer Rouge. The U.S. and its allies no longer saw Vietnamese control of Cambodia as a major threat. In 1990, Cambodian factions agreed to a ceasefire and planned for democratic elections. Pol Pot agreed, fearing that otherwise, all other groups would unite against the Khmer Rouge.
Pol Pot established a new headquarters near the Thai border. The Khmer Rouge refused to disarm and expanded their territory. They carried out killings of Vietnamese settlers. In 1993, Pol Pot announced that the Khmer Rouge would boycott the elections.
After the 1993 elections, a new coalition government was formed. The Cambodian National Army launched an offensive against the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot's forces faced increasing desertions. He ordered the confiscation of private transport and an end to cross-border trade. In 1994, he ordered the execution of three foreign hostages.
In 1996, a mutiny broke out, and many soldiers left the Khmer Rouge. By the end of 1996, the Khmer Rouge had lost almost all their territory. Pol Pot's health was declining. He suffered from heart problems and had a stroke that paralyzed one side of his body.
In June 1997, Pol Pot ordered the assassination of Son Sen and his family. Ta Mok, another Khmer Rouge commander, feared Pol Pot would turn on him. Mok rallied his troops and placed Pol Pot under house arrest.
American journalist Nate Thayer conducted Pol Pot's last interview while he was under house arrest. Pol Pot stated that his "conscience is clear" and that he did everything for his country. He denied that millions had died.
On April 15, 1998, Pol Pot died in his sleep from a heart attack. Thayer, who was present, claimed Pol Pot died by taking a large amount of medicine. His body was cremated using traditional Buddhist rites. Pol Pot's ashes are buried in a small grave in Choam Sa-Ngam.
Pol Pot's Beliefs and Impact
His Political Ideas
Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge believed it was always better to go too far than not far enough in their revolutionary changes. They used hunger, lack of sleep, and long hours of work to pressure people into accepting their ideas.
In the 1980s, Pol Pot dissolved his Communist Party. He said, "We chose communism because we wanted to restore our nation." He later claimed that communism was over and that Cambodia should belong to the West. Some historians believe his commitment to Marxism-Leninism was not very deep.
Pol Pot said he was inspired by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in India. He started as a nationalist before reading "progressive books." He believed that an alliance between educated people and peasants was important for revolution.
Pol Pot's government was totalitarian, meaning it had complete control over people's lives. He wanted Cambodia to be completely self-sufficient. He believed Cambodians were superior to other groups and that they were immune to foreign influences. The Khmer Rouge generally saw foreigners as enemies. All religions were banned as part of their effort to remove religion from the country.
His Personal Qualities
Pol Pot was described as being quiet, private, and obsessed with secrecy. He often pretended not to be in charge while secretly controlling everything. He used many different pseudonyms throughout his career. He believed changing names often confused his enemies.
People who knew him described him as sweet-tempered and pleasant as a child. As a teacher, he was seen as calm, honest, and persuasive. He had a "magnetic personality" and could connect with people from different backgrounds. Many noticed his distinctive smile.
Pol Pot spoke softly and remained calm even when using strong language in speeches. He suffered from insomnia and frequent illnesses, including malaria. He enjoyed traditional Khmer music and French poetry.
His years living in jungle camps likely strengthened his belief in his own importance. He was very nationalistic and showed little interest in events outside Cambodia. He was often unwilling to compromise.
Pol Pot wanted his followers to develop a "revolutionary consciousness" so they could act without his constant guidance. He often managed small details, like menus for state events. Although some supporters wanted a personality cult for him, it never fully developed. He did not like self-promotion and opposed individualism.
Images for kids
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Prek Sbauv, the village where Pol Pot was born and spent his early years
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Sâr arrived in Paris on 1 October 1949. Paris pictured in 1950.
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In Paris, Pol Pot was inspired by the writings of Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin (pictured together in 1949) on how to conduct a revolution.
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King Sihanouk disbanded the Cambodian government and National Assembly before securing independence from French colonial rule in 1953.
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In 1970, a U.S. backed coup led to Lon Nol's right-wing dictatorship being installed in Cambodia
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After Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia to overthrow Lon Nol's government, the U.S. (forces pictured) sent in its military to support his administration.
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Uniforms worn by the Khmer Rouge during their period of control
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View of Phnom Penh from a U.S. helicopter, 12 April 1975
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Pol Pot's government held its early meetings in the Silver Pagoda, which later served as Pol Pot's home.
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The flag of Democratic Kampuchea
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The Tuol Sleng School, also known as S-21, where those regarded as enemies of the government were killed
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Pol Pot meeting with Romanian Marxist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu during the latter's visit to Cambodia in 1978
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Mass grave in Choeung Ek
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Busts of Pol Pot were produced in anticipation of a cult of personality ultimately never realized. This example is displayed in the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
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In 1979, Khieu Samphan (pictured here in 2011) replaced Pol Pot as Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea.
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Pol Pot's grave in the Anlong Veng District of Oddar Meanchey province
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The flag of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, a group whose members were informally known as the "Khmer Rouge"
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See also
In Spanish: Pol Pot para niños
