Andreas Baader was a German activist and co-founder of the Red Army Faction, a far-left militant group active in West Germany during the 1970s. Born on May 6, 1943, he became known for his involvement in political violence and terrorism, which aimed to challenge the capitalist system and U.S. influence in Europe. Baader was arrested in 1972 and later died in prison in 1977 under controversial circumstances. His actions and the activities of the Red Army Faction sparked significant debate about political extremism, state response to terrorism, and the impact of radical ideologies in post-war Germany.