What is the origin of paratroops?

Paratroops originated in the early 20th century as military units trained to drop from aircraft into combat zones via parachute. The concept gained prominence during World War II, with nations like Germany and the United States developing specialized airborne divisions. The first significant use of paratroopers occurred during the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, showcasing their strategic advantages in surprise attacks and rapid troop deployment. Since then, paratroops have been integral to modern military operations worldwide.