Bertha Ringer was born in Pforzheim, Germany, on 3 May 1849 and was 23 when she married Karl Benz on 20 July 1872.
History is punctuated by the efforts of women who have made significant contributions to the lives of their famous husbands. One such figure is undoubtedly Bertha Benz, the resolute companion of Karl Benz. Without her strong will and unshakeable belief in the success of her husband, the Benz & Cie. company may never have existed.
Bertha Benz was always supportive of her husband, driving him on when the brilliant inventor and design engineer suffered serious technical setbacks and increasing self-doubt about the direction his work was taking. Her unflinching optimism and ability to find the best solution to difficult situations constantly saw her re-emerge from life's troughs.
Even during her engagement to Karl Benz, Bertha made a spontaneous and selfless decision that would prove essential to her husband-to-be. When it emerged that Karl Benz had been manoeuvred into a virtually irrevocable financial situation by a business partner, August Ritter, Bertha Benz barely hesitated before prematurely offering her dowry. Although not a huge amount of money, it was enough to buy out the partner and secure all future decision-making powers for Karl Benz.