Which Cambodian leader overthrew Norodom Sihanouk in 1970, paving the way for US bombing raids?

• A. Pol Pot
• B. Lon Nol
• C. Norodom Sihanouk
• D. Hun Sen

Answer: (B)

This question centers on understanding who shifted Cambodia’s leadership in 1970 and how that change affected U.S. actions in the region. Lon Nol, a Cambodian general and prime minister, led a coup in March 1970 that toppled Norodom Sihanouk and established the Khmer Republic with strong U.S. backing. This new regime aligned closely with American anti-communist aims and provided political space for expanded U.S. bombing into Cambodian territory, targeting North Vietnamese bases and supply routes as part of the war effort. Pol Pot would later lead the Khmer Rouge, not orchestrate this coup; Sihanouk was the leader who was deposed; Hun Sen rose to power years later. The key idea is that Lon Nol’s coup created a pro-U.S. government, which enabled the intensified bombing raids in Cambodia.