Category: History > Postalization
In the early 19th century, the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain sparked significant changes in communication methods, leading to the establishment of the modern postal system. Prior to this conflict, the postal service was largely inefficient and unreliable, with various private companies handling mail delivery. However, the war highlighted the need for a more organized and effective means of communication, particularly for military purposes. As a response, the U.S. government began to take control of mail services, culminating in the establishment of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 1775 under the leadership of Benjamin Franklin. This shift not only improved communication during wartime but also laid the groundwork for a standardized postal system that would evolve throughout the 19th century, incorporating innovations such as postage stamps and rural free delivery, ultimately revolutionizing how people connected across distances.