The Libyans wanted full independence. The independence, which was granted to Libya in 1951, was not genuine.

When King Idris allowed the Americans to enlarge Wheelus airfield in the 1950s and 1960s, the emerging Libyan elites concluded that the removal of King Idris was necessary to end pseudo independence.

King Idris's dictatorship also led to the coup. As a head of the Libyan state, the King developed excessive powers in his hands. He hated criticisms and challenges.

King Idris was tribalistic and nepotic. He promoted his tribesmates and relatives to top offices at the expense of other tribes.

The unabated exploitation of Libya's resources by foreigners. In 1959, the first oil deposits were discovered in Libya.

Rampant corruption in government also led to the coup.

Libyans were tired of backwardness and wanted modernity. Libya was backward compared to the nearby Arab states.

Unfortunately, King Idris blocked Libyans from getting Pan-Arabist ideas. This annoyed the army officers.

Army officers wanted social transformation in Libya.

The need to purify Islam also led to the coup.

The influence of Nasser and the 1952 Egyptian coup.

There was a desire to reform the army. Many young officers were unhappy with the neglect of the army by the King and the Shalhis.

The personality of Muammer Gadafi explains the occurrence of the coup. As early as 19 years, he developed the ambition of governing Libya and riding it of backwardness.

The need to end regionalism. King Idris had made no effort to unite the peoples of the desert, the Oasis and the towns.

Hatred against Christianity: Gadaffi and his comrades hated the continued influence of Christians in administrative and military posts.