Final answer:
Muammar Gaddafi was the long-time ruler of Libya whose regime was overthrown during the Arab Spring. His fall from power after 42 years marked a significant moment in Libya's history and the region, leading to a challenging period of nation building and government restructuring in Libya.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muammar Gaddafi was the leader of Libya who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1969 until his downfall in 2011. He was a significant figure during the Arab Spring, which refers to a series of uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa. These uprisings, fueled by discontent over governmental corruption, lack of political freedoms, and social grievances, led to the rise of movements seeking democratic reforms and the end of authoritarian regimes.
In particular, Gaddafi’s Libya experienced an intense period of revolt, with anti-government factions demanding his removal and more democratic freedoms. The conflict escalated into a full-scale civil war, with rebels taking control of Benghazi and eventually receiving aid from NATO through air strikes and the enforcement of a no-fly zone. Ultimately, the rebellion resulted in Gaddafi being ousted from power after 42 years, marking a significant turning point for Libya and the region. With Gaddafi's death and the subsequent power vacuum, Libya faced a difficult period of nation building and establishing a stable government structure, unlike its more organized neighbors.