Passion or Profession: Independence Leader, President

Period: 1903–2000

After studying to be a lawyer, Bourguiba became involved in a group that wanted democratic reforms from the colonial French government. His activism landed him in prison several times between 1934 and 1955. But when Tunisia gained independence in 1956, his efforts were recognized as he became the prime minister and then president. During his presidency he tried to modernized the country, despite opposition from Muslims who wanted traditional Islam emphasized. In 1987 he appointed Zine El Abidine Ben Ali as his prime minister. Just one month later, Ben Ali overthrew Bourgiba in a bloodless coup.