Ang Duong

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Preah Bat Ang Duong (r. 1841-1860) is the Great-King of Cambodia who protected the country from both invasion and poverty. Preah bat Ang Duong was responsible for Cambodia becoming a French protectorate. There is much debate over the wisdom of this action. However, due to the circumstances of the time, Preah bat Ang Duong had probably made the right decision, since the Khmer's ancient culture and customs would have been quashed had Cambodia come under the control of the Siamese. Although becoming a French protectorate caused many hardships for Cambodian people due to the French tyrannical rule, Cambodia did not lose its identity which was more likely to happen had he chosen otherwise.