Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. In the 19th century, mail was delivered by horse-drawn coaches, which could take weeks to cross a country. The invention of the railway in the 1830s dramatically reduced delivery times. By the 1850s, trains carried most long-distance mail. However, the real revolution came with the introduction of the postage stamp in 1840, which made prepayment possible and encouraged more people to use the service. Interestingly, the first stamps were not adhesive; they had to be cut from a sheet and glued on. This changed in 1854 when perforations were introduced.
❓ According to the lecture, what was the main advantage of the railway for mail delivery?
A. A. It made stamps adhesive
B. B. It reduced the time needed for long-distance delivery
C. C. It allowed mail to be sent by air
D. D. It eliminated the need for horse-drawn coaches
✅ 正确答案
B. It reduced the time needed for long-distance delivery