Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. In the 19th century, the introduction of the penny post in Britain revolutionized communication. Before that, the recipient, not the sender, usually paid for the mail, which was expensive and often refused. The reform, led by Rowland Hill, proposed a uniform low rate paid by the sender. This change dramatically increased the volume of letters. Interestingly, the first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in 1840, but it was only valid for one day, making it a collector's item today.
❓ According to the lecture, what was the main problem with the postal system before the penny post?
A. A. The sender had to pay a high fee.
B. B. The recipient often had to pay, and mail was costly.
C. C. Stamps were not yet invented.
D. D. Mail delivery was too slow.
✅ 正确答案
B. The recipient often had to pay, and mail was costly.