Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. In the early 19th century, mail was delivered by horseback riders, which was slow and unreliable. Then, in 1840, the first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was introduced in Britain. This revolutionized communication by making postage affordable for ordinary people. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that railway networks expanded, allowing mail to be transported much faster across long distances. By the 20th century, airmail further reduced delivery times, but it remained expensive until after World War II. So, the key turning point for speed was actually the railway, not the stamp.
❓ According to the lecture, what was the most significant factor in speeding up mail delivery?