# Ulrike Meinhof > German left-wing militant (1934–1976) **Wikidata**: [Q76543](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q76543) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulrike_Meinhof) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ulrike-meinhof ## Summary Ulrike Meinhof (1934–1976) was a German journalist, writer, and left-wing militant who co-founded the Red Army Faction (RAF), a far-left terrorist organization in West Germany. Her transformation from intellectual and journalist to militant made her a central figure in one of post-war Germany's most controversial political movements. ## Biography - Born: October 7, 1934, in Germany - Nationality: German - Education: Studied sociology and journalism; attended University of Münster - Known for: Co-founding the Red Army Faction and her role in the radical left-wing movement in West Germany - Employer(s): Journalist and writer for various publications; later became a core member of the Red Army Faction - Field(s): Journalism, militant activism, writing ## Contributions Ulrike Meinhof's contributions spanned journalism, writing, and political activism: - **Journalist and Writer**: She worked as a journalist and writer, focusing on social criticism and political commentary. - **Co-founder of the Red Army Faction (RAF)**: In 1970, she co-founded the RAF, a far-left militant group that became one of the most notorious terrorist organizations in post-war Germany. - **Member of the Red Army Faction**: She played a central role in the group's early activities and ideology. - **Public Intellectual**: Through her writings and activism, she influenced the radical student movement and broader left-wing discourse in Germany. ## FAQs ### Who was Ulrike Meinhof? Ulrike Meinhof was a German journalist, writer, and co-founder of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a far-left militant group active in West Germany during the 1970s. ### What is Ulrike Meinhof known for? She is primarily known for her role in co-founding the Red Army Faction, a terrorist organization that carried out a series of high-profile attacks in West Germany. ### What was Ulrike Meinhof's educational background? She studied sociology and journalism and was affiliated with the University of Münster. ### What organizations was Ulrike Meinhof involved with? She was a member of the Sozialistischer Deutscher Studentenbund (SDS), a left-wing student organization, and later co-founded the Red Army Faction. ### When and where was Ulrike Meinhof born? She was born on October 7, 1934, in Germany. ### What happened to Ulrike Meinhof? Ulrike Meinhof died on May 9, 1976, while in custody, under circumstances that remain controversial. ### What were her major contributions? Her major contributions include co-founding the Red Army Faction and her work as a journalist and writer focusing on social and political issues. ### What is the Red Army Faction? The Red Army Faction (RAF) was a far-left militant group in West Germany that engaged in armed struggle and terrorism from 1970 onward. ## Why They Matter Ulrike Meinhof's legacy is deeply tied to the radical political movements of 1970s West Germany. As a co-founder of the Red Army Faction, she became a symbol of the era's intense political conflict. Her life and death continue to be studied for their impact on German political culture, media, and the evolution of left-wing extremism in Europe. ## Notable For - Co-founding the Red Army Faction, a major far-left militant group in West Germany - Being a prominent figure in the radical student movement of the 1960s - Her work as a journalist and writer in shaping public discourse - Her controversial death while in custody, which sparked debate and speculation ## Body ### Early Life and Education Ulrike Meinhof was born on October 7, 1934, in Germany. She pursued studies in sociology and journalism, affiliating with the University of Münster. Her early career was rooted in journalism and writing, where she established herself as a critical voice in German media. ### Career Meinhof began her career as a journalist and writer, contributing to various publications with a focus on social and political criticism. She was a member of the Sozialistischer Deutscher Studentenbund (SDS), a left-wing student organization that played a significant role in the 1960s German student movement. Her intellectual contributions and activism positioned her as a key figure in the radical political landscape of the time. ### Red Army Faction In 1970, Ulrike Meinhof co-founded the Red Army Faction (RAF), a far-left militant group that became one of the most significant and controversial organizations in post-war German history. The RAF was responsible for a series of high-profile attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, which aimed to challenge the West German state. Meinhof's role in the group was both ideological and operational, and she became one of its most prominent members. ### Imprisonment and Death Ulrike Meinhof was arrested in 1972 and subsequently imprisoned. While in custody, she became a central figure in the RAF's propaganda efforts. Her death on May 9, 1976, in prison under mysterious circumstances, remains a subject of debate. Some believe she was murdered, while others suggest suicide; the truth remains unresolved. ### Legacy and Impact Her life and actions left a complex legacy. As a co-founder of the RAF, she influenced the trajectory of left-wing extremism in Germany. Her story has been analyzed in numerous academic and cultural works, highlighting the socio-political tensions of the time. Without her involvement, the narrative of German left-wing militancy would be incomplete, and her actions contributed to shaping the discourse on political violence in post-war Europe. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Integrated Authority File 3. The Fine Art Archive 4. Find a Grave 5. International Standard Name Identifier 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. MusicBrainz 8. Discogs 9. filmportal.de 10. FemBio database 11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 12. Croatian Encyclopedia 13. Munzinger Personen 14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 15. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies 16. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/sound/meinhof.html) 17. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/film/meinhof.html) 18. LIBRIS. 2012 19. FactGrid 20. performing-arts.ch