Andreas Baader, a notable figure in the German leftist scene of the late 1960s, was imprisoned for setting fire to a department store, among other activities. On May 14, 1970, a group including Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin orchestrated his dramatic escape during a court appearance. Their plan was both audacious and calculated, as they leveraged moments of distraction to gain the upper hand against law enforcement. This operation did not only symbolize radical defiance but also ignited a series of violent actions that would characterize the Red Army Faction's approach to political activism and revolution. The event displayed the group's tactical capabilities and unified their cause in the public eye.

The formal establishment of the Red Army Faction (RAF) followed shortly after Baader's escape. The group aimed to confront the perceived injustices of the West German state, which they viewed as a remnant of fascism, and hoped to incite a wider revolutionary fervor among the youth. Meinhof, who was an accomplished journalist, transitioned from reporting on leftist causes to becoming an active participant in revolutionary operations. This turning point led to the recruitment of more members who were inspired by the liberation of Baader and the subsequent actions taken by the RAF.

Despite their initial perceived success, the RAF's violent campaign resulted in widespread backlash against guerrilla tactics. The group would become notorious for its high-profile acts of violence, including bank robberies, kidnappings, and assassinations throughout the 1970s and beyond, creating a complex legacy that is still debated today. This moment underscored the tensions within West German society, highlighting divisions between the establishment and radical factions advocating for profound social and political change.