Lon Nol

Lon Nol was a Cambodian military officer and politician who led a coup in 1970, overthrowing Prince Norodom Sihanouk. He became the Prime Minister and later the President of Cambodia, aiming to establish stability amid civil conflict. His government aligned with the United States during the Vietnam War, fighting against communist forces like the Khmer Rouge. Despite his efforts to maintain order, his leadership faced major challenges, including widespread violence and the eventual rise of the Khmer Rouge. His rule ended in 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia, leading to a brutal regime and significant suffering for the Cambodian people.