Which of the following policies of the Khmer Rouge, was the most destructive during the period 1975 to 1978? (i) The evacuation to the rural areas (ii) Anti-intellectualism Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii).
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2021
Topic
The Cold War in Asia 1945-1993
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Which of the following policies of the Khmer Rouge, was the most destructive during the period 1975 to 1978? (i) The evacuation to the rural areas (ii) Anti-intellectualism Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii).
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Which of the following policies of the Khmer Rouge, was the most destructive during the period 1975 to 1978?
Introduction
Briefly introduce the Khmer Rouge and their goals in Cambodia.
Briefly introduce the two policies: (i) evacuation to rural areas and (ii) anti-intellectualism.
Present a clear thesis statement arguing which policy was more destructive. This should be your own argument, based on the evidence you will present.
Body Paragraph 1: Evacuation to Rural Areas
Topic Sentence: Clearly state that this paragraph will discuss the destructive impact of the evacuations.
Evidence:
Explain the scale of the evacuations (2 million from Phnom Penh).
Describe the brutal conditions (forced labor, lack of resources, deaths).
Analyze the consequences:
Collapse of urban services.
Devastation of the economy.
Widespread famine.
Linking sentence: Transition to the next paragraph by connecting the evacuations to the policy of anti-intellectualism (e.g., the evacuations were partly aimed at breaking down societal structures, which also fueled the persecution of intellectuals).
Body Paragraph 2: Anti-Intellectualism
Topic Sentence: Clearly state that this paragraph will discuss the devastating consequences of anti-intellectualism.
Evidence:
Describe the systematic targeting and killing of educated individuals (teachers, doctors, professionals).
Quantify the loss of human capital (e.g., 80% of teachers executed).
Analyze the long-term consequences:
Collapse of the education system.
Crippling of the healthcare system.
Elimination of dissent and critical thinking.
Paralysis of government and administration due to lack of qualified personnel.
Culture of fear and distrust, discouraging education and expertise.
Linking sentence: Transition to your evaluation by comparing the impact of both policies.
Body Paragraph 3: Evaluation and Comparison
Directly compare the two policies, exploring the arguments for and against each as the "most destructive."
Consider:
Which policy had a more immediate and devastating impact?
Which policy had longer-lasting consequences for Cambodian society?
Were the two policies inherently linked, or were they distinct in their aims and effects?
Use strong evidence from the previous paragraphs to support your analysis.
Conclusion
Briefly restate your argument about which policy was more destructive.
Avoid introducing new information.
Offer a final thought or reflection on the overall devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Evacuation to Rural Areas
In dealing with the evacuation to the rural areas, answers might explain that 2 million were deported from Phnom Penh alone. Answers might explain that even those in hospitals were evacuated. Answers might explain that evacuees were worked like slaves in labour camps. Answers might explain that 650,000 evacuees died. Answers might argue that the evacuations led to the collapse of services in towns. Answers might argue that the economy was undermined.
Anti-Intellectualism
In dealing with anti-intellectualism, answers might explain that between 500,000 and 1 million Cambodians with an education were executed. Answers might argue that 80% of teachers were executed so the education system collapsed. Answers might argue that 95% of doctors were killed which meant there was little healthcare in the country. Answers might argue that the death of journalists and writers removed any dissent or challenge to the regime. Answers might argue that the murder of public servants at national and local administration meant that government was paralysed. Answers might explain that anti-intellectualism was so pernicious that people with qualifications disguised their identity.