Katharina Paulus - Main milestones

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Katharina "Käthe" Paulus was a pioneering German aerialist and inventor who significantly advanced parachute technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As Germany's first professional female parachute jumper, she captivated audiences with her daring displays, while her groundbreaking invention of the collapsible parachute revolutionized aviation safety. This timeline highlights key moments in her extraordinary life and career.

Birth of Katharina Paulus

December 22, 1868

Katharina Paulus was born in Bernstadt an der Weide, Silesia (now Bierutów, Poland). Details of her early life are scarce, but her later career suggests a curious and adventurous spirit that eventually led her to the daring world of aerial acrobatics and innovation.

Apprenticeship in the Circus Arts

Late 19th Century

Paulus entered the world of performance arts. She started working in different circuses and theaters as a variety performer. This is where she became acquainted with the art of making trick clothes and costumes, including those made from fabric and textiles. She was very skilled and quickly acquired the status of being the go-to person when artists need to build sophisticated costumes and clothes.

Early Parachute Jumps

1890s

Paulus began her career as a parachute jumper, performing daring feats at exhibitions and public events. At this time, parachute jumping was still a very dangerous and novel spectacle, and Paulus quickly gained fame for her courage and skill.

Marriage to Hermann Lattemann

1890s

Paulus married Hermann Lattemann, another prominent balloonist and parachute jumper. Together, they formed a successful aerial exhibition team. Lattemann was Paulus' colleague and helped her with the necessary contacts to promote her performances.

Tragedy Strikes: Death of Hermann Lattemann

1894

Hermann Lattemann died in 1894 in an accident that occurred during a group parachute jump. At the time, Lattemann attempted to jump together with four other jumpers, but all of their parachute lines got entangled. All five jumpers died in that accident.

Further development of existing parachute technology

1890s

After the death of her husband, Paulus began to work on improving existing parachute technology. She wanted to make parachutes safer, more reliable, and also easier to transport. The safety of parachute jumpers was the main driver for her research.

Invention of the Collapsible Parachute

Around 1900

Paulus developed and patented the world's first collapsible parachute. This innovative design allowed the parachute to be packed more compactly and reliably, making it easier to transport and deploy, and significantly improving safety. She used a spring loaded container where the parachute would be located. Also she made the parachute in such a way, that it could easily be folded.

Continued Exhibition Jumps and Demonstrations

Early 20th Century

Paulus continued to perform parachute jumps, showcasing her invention and promoting its benefits. She became a sought-after performer and demonstrated her parachute at airshows and exhibitions across Europe.

Parachute Production for the Military

World War I

During World War I, Paulus established a workshop to produce parachutes for the German military, contributing significantly to the war effort. She became a major manufacturer, employing numerous workers to produce life-saving equipment for pilots.

Death of Katharina Paulus

July 26, 1935

Katharina Paulus died on July 26, 1935. Her inventions and pioneering achievements left a lasting impact on aviation safety and cemented her legacy as a remarkable woman in a male-dominated field. The impact of the newly developed parachutes on the safety of the pilots was tremendous.

Other Timelines

Early Life and Personal Development

Impact and Legacy

Innovation and Invention: The Collapsible Parachute

Later Life and Death

Professional Career: Exhibition Jumps and Public Appearances

Relationships and Family

The Rise of a Parachute Jumper: Training and Early Performances