The historical figure known for leading the French Revolution is Maximilien Robespierre. He was a key figure in the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror and advocated for the rights of the common people, seeking to establish a more equitable society. Robespierre's intense commitment to revolutionary ideals ultimately led to his downfall and execution in 1794. He symbolized the complexities of revolutionary change, where freedom, equality, and the terror of political purges clashed, making him a controversial yet pivotal figure in history.