The influential leader who fought for the rights of workers during the Industrial Revolution was Eugene V. Debs. As a founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and a prominent socialist, Debs championed the cause of labor rights, advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and union representation. His activism drew attention to the struggles faced by the working class, contributing to labor reforms and the recognition of workers' rights during a period of significant industrial change in America.