Good morning. Today we're going to discuss the historical development of the postal service. In the 19th century, the introduction of the postage stamp revolutionized communication. Before stamps, the recipient paid for delivery, which was often expensive and inconvenient. The first adhesive stamp, the Penny Black, appeared in Britain in 1840. It allowed the sender to prepay, making the system more efficient. Interestingly, the use of stamps also encouraged the growth of literacy, as people began writing more letters. By the 1880s, many countries had adopted similar systems. However, the real breakthrough came with the invention of the railway, which enabled faster and cheaper mail transport.
❓ What was the main advantage of the first postage stamp introduced in Britain?
A. A. It reduced the cost of railway construction.
B. B. It allowed the recipient to pay for delivery.