On September 1, 1969, a group of young military officers in Libya, known as the Free Officers Movement, orchestrated a coup d'état that brought Muammar Gaddafi to power and ended the reign of King Idris I. At the time of the coup, King Idris was in Turkey for medical treatment, which provided an opportune moment for the officers to strike. The coup was notably bloodless, and little resistance was encountered as the officers seized key government sites, including the Royal Palace and the radio station, announcing the establishment of the Libyan Arab Republic shortly thereafter.

Gaddafi, who was 27 years old at the time, emerged as the primary leader of the new regime, a position he held for over four decades. His administration began implementing radical reforms based on Arab nationalism and socialism. These changes included the nationalization of the oil industry, educational reforms, and the introduction of a new legal system based on his political ideology outlined in his Green Book. Gaddafi's policies were controversial, and his leadership style was characterized by an authoritarian approach, often resisting any form of political dissent or opposition.

The coup not only transformed Libya into a republic but also drastically shifted the trajectory of the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. Gaddafi sought to position Libya as a leader in the Arab world and a supporter of various anti-colonial and socialist movements across Africa and the Middle East. His regime saw Libya become a significant player in global oil markets while also facing increasing isolation and criticism from Western nations due to his support for terrorism and opposition to Western influence in the region.