German Autumn Crisis
The "German Autumn Crisis" refers to a period of political turmoil in West Germany during the fall of 1977. It was marked by a series of violent events, including the kidnapping and murder of Hanns Martin Schleyer, a prominent industrialist, by the Red Army Faction (RAF), a leftist terrorist group. The crisis highlighted the tensions between the government and radical groups, as well as the broader societal conflicts of the time.
In response to the crisis, the West German government implemented strict security measures and intensified efforts to combat terrorism. The situation escalated with the hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181 by RAF members, which further captured public attention and led to a nationwide debate on civil liberties and state security. The events of the German Autumn had lasting impacts on German society and politics.