Rote Armee Fraktion

The Rote Armee Fraktion, also known as the Red Army Fraction, is generally shortened to RAF. In its early stages the RAF was called the Badder- Meinhof group. However, the RAF never used this name for itself. The media was the one that used this nickname for the RAF because they did not want to legitimize their organization. The RAF began in 1970 and lasted until 1998. This group engaged itself in armed resistance against the fascist state.

There were three generations to the Rote Armee Fraktion. The first generation consisted of Badder and his associates. The second generation was during the mid 1970s. Several Socialist Patients' Collective members joined the Red Army Fraction during this time. The third generation was from the 1980s to the 1990s.

On April 20, 1998 the RAF sent and eight page letter declaring the group had dissolved.

Similarities and Differences between terrorist groups today and the RAF

Similarities:

• Both are very idealistic
• Want new changes
• Civilian loss occurs
• A lot of violence

Differences:

• The RAF stayed in their own country
• The RAF never controlled their own country