Sisowath Monivong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sisowath Monivong |
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| King of Cambodia | |
| Reign | 9 August 1927 – 23 April 1941 |
| Coronation | 20 July 1928 |
| Predecessor | Sisowath |
| Successor | Norodom Sihanouk |
| Born | 27 December 1875 Khemarin Palace, Phnom Penh, French Cambodia |
| Died | 23 April 1941 (aged 65) Bokor Hill Station, Kampot, Cambodia, French Indochina |
| Burial | Oudong, Kandal, Cambodia |
| Spouse |
Norodom Kanviman Norleak Tevi
(m. 1894; died 1912)and 19 other wives |
| Issue | 26, including: Sisowath Kossamak Sisowath Monireth Sisowath Monipong |
| House | Sisowath |
| Father | Sisowath |
| Mother | Varni Van |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
Sisowath Monivong (born December 27, 1875 – died April 23, 1941) was the King of Cambodia from 1927 until his death in 1941. During his time as king, Cambodia was under the control of France. This period is known as a French protectorate.
King Monivong was the grandson of King Ang Duong. He was also the grandfather of Norodom Sihanouk, who later became king. The current king, Norodom Sihamoni, is his great-grandson. Sisowath Monivong was the last king from the House of Sisowath.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sisowath Monivong was born in Phnom Penh in 1875. He was the sixth child of King Sisowath. His mother was Neak Moneang Van. At the time, his uncle King Norodom ruled Cambodia. The capital was then in Odong.
In 1884, France took full control of Cambodia. The royal family then moved to the new capital, Phnom Penh. This is where Sisowath Monivong lived.
Becoming Crown Prince
In 1904, Monivong's uncles and older brother passed away. This made Sisowath Monivong the Crown Prince of Cambodia. He was now next in line to become king.
In 1906, he traveled to France with his father, King Sisowath. There, he joined the Military School of Saint-Maixent. He finished his studies two years later. He became a Sous Lieutenant in the Foreign Legion. He then worked in different cities in France.
Military Career
In 1909, Sisowath Monivong returned to Cambodia. He continued to rise in the military ranks. In 1910, he became a Lieutenant. By 1916, he was a Captain. Finally, in 1922, he became a Chief of Battalion.
He left military service in the same year. During World War I, he helped recruit soldiers and workers. For his efforts, he received special honors. He was also given the Cambodian title Samdech Preah Keofea. He then served in important government roles.
His Time as King
In 1927, Sisowath Monivong's father died. At 52 years old, Sisowath Monivong became the new king. However, like the kings before him, he had limited power. The French government truly controlled Cambodia.
The French Resident General held the real power. King Monivong was surrounded by his Royal Council. This council included his cousins.
Cambodia Under French Rule
During Monivong's rule, new ideas came to Cambodia. In 1930, Ho Chi Minh started the Indochina Communist Party. This group became popular in Cambodia. Their main goal was to end French control.
In 1940, France was defeated by Nazi Germany. A new French government, called "Vichy France", took over. This government also controlled Cambodia.
Japanese Occupation
In the late 1930s, King Monivong saw Japan gaining power in Asia. Japan invaded and occupied Cambodia in early 1941. The Japanese allowed French officials to keep administering Cambodia. But they did so under Japanese protection.
This meant the Cambodian king was under the French. And the French were under the Japanese. In western Cambodia, Thailand, an ally of Japan, took over some land.
As the Japanese and Thai rule became harsh, King Sisowath Monivong retired. He moved to Kampot in late 1941. He passed away at Bokor Hill Station in the same year. After his death, the mountain was renamed Preah Monivong National Park in his honor.
Who Succeeded Him?
King Monivong's son, Sisowath Monireth, was expected to become king. However, the French authorities chose someone else. They picked Norodom Sihanouk, Monivong's nineteen-year-old grandson. The French thought Sihanouk would be easier to control.
Two of Monivong's children, Sisowath Monireth and Sisowath Monipong, later served as prime minister.
See also
In Spanish: Sisowath Monivong para niños
