Lon Nol

ModernGeneralCambodia1913 — 1985

President of the Khmer Republic who overthrew Sihanouk.

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Quick Facts

Born

1913

Died

1985

Country

Cambodia

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)48

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)61

Strategy (15%)36

Total Score41.5

Lon Nol — Complete Timeline

1970 AD

Coup against Norodom SihanoukPolitical Action

Lon Nol led a military coup that overthrew King Sihanouk while he was abroad. He established the Khmer Republic, ending the monarchy and aligning Cambodia with the United States during the Vietnam War.

CoupKhmer RepublicUS alliance

Impact: nationaldestructive

Declaration of the Khmer RepublicPolitical Action◆ Major

Lon Nol officially proclaimed the Khmer Republic, abolishing the monarchy. He became president and implemented a pro-American, anti-communist regime, which led to civil war with the Khmer Rouge and North Vietnamese forces.

RepublicRegime changeCivil War

Impact: national

1975 AD

Fall of Phnom PenhWar

Lon Nol's government collapsed as Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh. He fled into exile in the United States, ending the Khmer Republic and leading to the establishment of Democratic Kampuchea under Pol Pot.

Khmer Rouge victoryExileRegime collapse

Impact: nationaltragic