Who is considered the founder of Buddhism?

The founder of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama, who is widely known as the Buddha. His foundational teachings laid the groundwork for what would develop into a major world religion, emphasizing the importance of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to achieve enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Siddhartha's journey to enlightenment started after he encountered the realities of life outside his privileged existence, which drove him to seek understanding and ultimately led to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching and the establishment of Buddhist philosophy and practice, making him the clear figure known as the founder of Buddhism.