Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. In the 19th century, the introduction of the postage stamp revolutionized communication. Before stamps, the recipient often paid the delivery cost, which could be very expensive. The first adhesive stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in Britain in 1840. It featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and cost one penny. This system shifted the payment to the sender, making mail more affordable and efficient. As a result, letter writing became common among ordinary people, not just the wealthy.