Historically, Cambodia was a mess in the mid-19th century. Rebels ran around everywhere and, after the death of King Ang Duong, nobody was effectively king of Cambodia for four years. Norodom was theoretically the successor to Ang Duong but, as Cambodia paid homage to Siam and the Siamese exerted much control over the area (the other bits were influenced by the Vietnamese), was unable to secure the royal regalia from Siamese authorities. Frustrated by developments in Bangkok, Norodom turned to French colonial figures in recently-established Cochinchina for help in winning back his kindgom. They agreed-- on condition that Cambodia become a French protectorate.
What if Norodom hadn't turned to the French for support? What one of Norodom's half-brothers, Si Votha or Sisowath, seized the throne at Udong for themselves before he could rally support behind himself? Was it inevitable that the French expand into Cambodia, or can that be completely avoided?
What if Norodom hadn't turned to the French for support? What one of Norodom's half-brothers, Si Votha or Sisowath, seized the throne at Udong for themselves before he could rally support behind himself? Was it inevitable that the French expand into Cambodia, or can that be completely avoided?