Who is credited with leading the Athenians to democracy?

The figure most credited with leading the Athenians to democracy is Cleisthenes. He is often referred to as the "Father of Athenian Democracy" due to his significant reforms in 508-507 BCE, which laid the foundations of the democratic system in Athens. Cleisthenes implemented a series of political changes that reorganized the Athenian citizen body and reduced the power of nobility, allowing greater participation in government by ordinary citizens. These reforms included the establishment of new political divisions, known as tribes and demes, which broadened representation and involvement in civic life.

While Solon contributed earlier reforms that addressed economic issues and social inequalities and introduced some democratic elements, it was Cleisthenes' reforms that fully established the framework for democracy in Athens. Pericles, while a significant leader during Athens' Golden Age, strengthened and expanded the democratic system but did not originate it. Plato, as a philosopher, critiqued democracy rather than lead it. Thus, Cleisthenes stands out as the key architect of Athenian democracy.