Andreas Baader, German terrorist, co-founded the Red Army Faction (d. 1977)

Berndt Andreas Baader, born on May 6, 1943, and who died on October 18, 1977, emerged as a pivotal, albeit controversial, figure in West German history. He was unequivocally one of the primary architects and leaders of the Red Army Faction (RAF), an extreme left-wing militant organization that profoundly challenged the political and social fabric of West Germany during the 1970s. Often referred to by the media and the public as the Baader-Meinhof Group, a moniker reflecting the perceived prominence of Baader alongside journalist Ulrike Meinhof, the RAF's actions cast a long shadow over the era, leading to a period of intense domestic terrorism and state response.

The Genesis of a Radical Figure

Andreas Baader's early life offered few clear indicators of the radical path he would eventually forge. Born in Munich, he moved to Berlin after his father, an academic, went missing during World War II. His youth was marked by a certain defiance and a rejection of conventional societal norms. While he never completed formal higher education, he gravitated towards the burgeoning counter-culture and radical student movements sweeping across West Germany in the mid-1960s. It was within these circles that he encountered Gudrun Ensslin, who would become a significant personal and ideological partner, and through whom he would deepen his commitment to direct action and armed struggle. Their shared conviction that parliamentary democracy was a façade for an oppressive capitalist state fueled their radicalization, leading them to believe that only violent revolution could effect true change.

Leading the Red Army Faction

The Red Army Faction officially coalesced in 1970, with Baader, alongside Ensslin and Ulrike Meinhof, at its core. Drawing inspiration from urban guerrilla movements in Latin America and theories of anti-imperialist struggle, the RAF declared itself an urban guerrilla force committed to revolutionary violence against the West German state and its perceived imperialist allies, particularly the United States. Baader, known for his volatile temperament and assertive personality, quickly became one of the group’s most recognizable and active leaders. He was instrumental in planning and executing numerous bombings, bank robberies, and kidnappings. These acts were intended to destabilize the state, provoke a harsh response that would expose its "fascist" tendencies, and ignite a wider revolutionary uprising among the populace. The media's frequent pairing of his name with Ulrike Meinhof, given her background as a well-known left-wing journalist who lent intellectual credence to the group's actions, cemented the popular, if unofficial, name: the Baader-Meinhof Group.

Capture, Imprisonment, and the "German Autumn"

Baader's violent trajectory eventually led to his capture. He was apprehended in June 1972 following a shootout in Frankfurt, along with Jan-Carl Raspe and Holger Meins. His arrest, along with other key RAF members, marked a significant, albeit temporary, setback for the organization. The subsequent trial, held in a specially constructed high-security courtroom at Stammheim Prison in Stuttgart, became a highly publicized and controversial event. It spanned several years, characterized by hunger strikes, legal battles, and accusations of state bias from the defendants. On April 28, 1977, Baader, Ensslin, and Raspe were convicted of murder, multiple attempted murders, and forming a terrorist organization, receiving life sentences. However, the RAF continued its activities from outside, escalating its attacks in a desperate attempt to free its imprisoned leaders. This culminated in the "German Autumn" of 1977, a series of dramatic and violent events including the kidnapping of industrialist Hanns Martin Schleyer and the hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181.

In the aftermath of the successful liberation of the hijacked plane by German special forces in Mogadishu, and the discovery of Schleyer's body, the fate of the imprisoned RAF leaders took a tragic turn. On the night of October 18, 1977, Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, and Jan-Carl Raspe were found dead in their cells at Stammheim Prison. Official reports concluded that they committed suicide; Baader died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Ensslin and Raspe were found hanged. These deaths, however, remain a subject of intense debate and conspiracy theories, with many questioning the official narrative and suggesting state involvement, a notion widely dismissed by German authorities. This event, often referred to as the "Death Night," effectively marked the end of the first generation of the Red Army Faction.

Legacy and Historical Context

Andreas Baader's life and death, intertwined with the actions of the Red Army Faction, left an indelible mark on West German society. The RAF represented a radical rejection of the post-war consensus and challenged the very foundations of the state. While ultimately failing to incite a widespread revolution, their actions forced West Germany to confront difficult questions about civil liberties, state security, and the limits of political protest. Baader's image, often depicted as defiant and uncompromising, remains a symbol of an era defined by political extremism and profound social upheaval.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andreas Baader and the RAF

Who was Berndt Andreas Baader?
Berndt Andreas Baader was a prominent and controversial figure in West German history, best known as one of the founding members and leaders of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a far-left militant organization active in the 1970s.
What was the Red Army Faction (RAF)?
The Red Army Faction was a West German left-wing extremist group that engaged in urban guerrilla warfare, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, from the early 1970s until the early 1990s. Its stated goals were to fight against what it perceived as the imperialist and capitalist West German state.
Why was the RAF also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group?
The term "Baader-Meinhof Group" was a popular media designation that emerged to describe the RAF. It highlighted the perceived leadership roles of Andreas Baader, who was central to the group's militant actions, and Ulrike Meinhof, a former prominent journalist who brought intellectual and ideological credibility to the faction.
What were the primary goals of the Red Army Faction?
The RAF aimed to challenge and ultimately overthrow the West German capitalist and 'imperialist' system through armed struggle. They sought to provoke the state into a repressive response, believing this would expose its true authoritarian nature and inspire a wider revolutionary movement among the populace.
How did Andreas Baader die?
Andreas Baader died on October 18, 1977, in his cell at Stammheim Prison. Official reports concluded his death was a suicide, caused by a gunshot wound to the head. This occurred during the "German Autumn," a period of intense confrontation between the RAF and the West German state, and alongside the deaths of fellow RAF members Gudrun Ensslin and Jan-Carl Raspe, also ruled suicides.