The historical figure known for leading the French Revolution is Maximilien Robespierre. A prominent lawyer and politician, Robespierre became a key figure in the revolution's radical phase, advocating for the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. He was a member of the Committee of Public Safety, which oversaw the Reign of Terror, a period characterized by political purges and executions of perceived enemies of the revolution. Though he initially championed the revolutionary cause, his radical measures ultimately led to his downfall. Robespierre was arrested and executed in 1794, marking a turning point in the revolution's history.