The French governor of Cochinchina goes to…

The French governor of Cochinchina goes to Phnom Penh, Norodom's capital, in June 1884, and demands approval of a treaty with Paris that promises far-reaching changes such as the abolition of slavery, the institution of private land ownership, and the establishment of French residents in provincial cities.

Mindful of a French gunboat anchored in the river, the king reluctantly signs the agreement.

Local elites oppose its provisions, however, especially the one dealing with slavery, and they foment rebellions throughout the country during the following year.

Though the rebellions are suppressed, and the treaty is ratified, passive resistance on the part of the Cambodians postpones implementation of the reforms it embodies until after Norodom's death.