Mitbegründer der terroristischen Rote Armee Fraktion (RAF)
Andreas Baader was a founder and namesake leader of the left-wing terrorist Red Army Faction (RAF), which shook Germany with an unprecedented series of attacks during the 1970s. Born in Munich in 1943, he radicalized during the student protest movement before orchestrating department store arson attacks in 1968. He died in his prison cell in Stammheim in 1977, officially ruled a suicide.
Early Years and Radicalization
Andreas Baader was born on May 6, 1943 in Munich and grew up in the post-war period. His father fell in World War II, and Baader was raised by his mother and grandmother. In his youth, he stood out for rebellious behavior, dropped out of school, and moved in artistic and oppositional circles in West Berlin.
During the 1960s, Baader became involved in the student protest movement. His political radicalization accelerated when he met Gudrun Ensslin, who would become his life partner and closest accomplice. Together they developed the conviction that only armed resistance against the "imperialistic system" of the Federal Republic could be effective.
The Department Store Arson Attacks of 1968
On April 2, 1968, Baader and Ensslin, together with Thorwald Proll and Horst Söhnlein, carried out arson attacks on two Frankfurt department stores. The acts were intended as a protest against the Vietnam War and became the catalyst for German left-wing terrorism. Fortunately, no one was killed, but the material damage was considerable.
After his arrest, Baader was sentenced to three years in prison. However, in June 1969 he was released early but fled underground to avoid serving his remaining sentence. This flight marked the beginning of his career as West Germany's most wanted terrorist.
Foundation of the RAF and the Baader Liberation
On May 14, 1970, the spectacular Baader Liberation took place, in which Ulrike Meinhof and other accomplices forcibly freed Baader from custody. During this operation, an institute employee was seriously injured. This day is considered the founding date of the Red Army Faction, later known as the "Baader-Meinhof Group."
