Samuel Doe was a Liberian military officer and politician who became the country's leader after a coup in 1980. He overthrew the government of President William R. Tolbert Jr. and established a military regime. Doe's rule was marked by human rights abuses and political repression, leading to widespread discontent among the population. In 1989, civil war broke out in Liberia, largely due to opposition against Doe's government. The conflict involved various factions, including the National Patriotic Front of Liberia led by Charles Taylor. Doe was eventually captured and killed in 1990, marking a significant turning point in Liberia's turbulent history.