Passion or Profession: Political, Military Leader

Period: 1942–

Born to nomadic Bedouins, Qaddafi received a strict religious education early on. Later, he came to despise the lax influence of Western businessmen and he strongly supported Pan-Arab nationalism. After he graduated college, he rose through the ranks of the military. At age 27, he and a small group of soldiers took over the government. Qaddafi immediately made drastic changes, including making Libya an Islamic nation, nationalizing the oil industry, and promoting a unique type of socialism. His changes improved the quality of life for most Libyans, but his foreign policy has been hotly debated. He remains a controversial figure today.