Although the French reinstated their officials by the end of 1945, the pre-war situation in Cambodia was never fully restored. The Thai government began financially supporting anti-Japanese and anti-French initiatives, leading to the emergence of anti-royalist Cambodian groups in exile along the Thai border. By 1946, these factions had united to form the left-leaning Khmer Issarak, a coalition of early idealists that evolved into a formidable guerrilla movement. Between 1947 and 1950, the Khmer Issarak controlled approximately fifty percent of Cambodia, waging a war for independence against French colonial rule.

The origins of this movement trace back to the 1930s with the establishment of Cambodia’s first high school, the Lycée Sisowath in Phnom Penh. There, students began to challenge the dominance of educated Vietnamese in the civil service, prompting a call for greater representation of the Khmer people. The launch of the first Khmer-language newspaper, Nagara Vatta, aimed at the newly educated Cambodians, further fueled nationalistic sentiments. This newspaper, along with the support of the sangka (the Buddhist clergy) led by the Institut Bouddhique in Phnom Penh, played a crucial role in shaping Khmer nationalism and advocating for the rights of the Khmer people.

When Prince Norodom Sihanouk requested Cambodia’s independence in late 1945, the French reluctantly consented to allow elections and the formation of a National Assembly, though they were unwilling to grant full independence. This marked the first time in Cambodian history that political parties were established, elections were conducted in 1946, and a new government was formed. The democratic and anti-royalist party, Krom Pracheathipodei, won decisively, adopting a constitution modeled after that of republican France. Although Sihanouk retained his throne, his power was significantly diminished.

By late 1949, Cambodia was granted partial independence; however, the French continued to control key areas, including the judiciary, customs, foreign policy, and the right to maintain military bases within the country. Frustrated with his limited political power and the lingering French influence, Sihanouk staged a coup in June 1952, dismissing the cabinet, suspending the constitution, and appointing himself prime minister. In early 1953, he declared martial law, dissolved the National Assembly, and traveled to Paris to negotiate with the French government.

Amidst France’s struggles against the communist Viet Minh in Vietnam, the French ultimately changed their stance. On November 9, 1953, Cambodia joyfully celebrated its full independence, marking a significant turning point in its history. This moment laid the foundation for the establishment of a sovereign Cambodian state and the emergence of a national identity free from colonial rule.