Final answer:
In the 1830s, the U.S. postal system was less developed than those in France and Britain, with rural free delivery starting much later in the U.S. The European systems, especially in Britain, benefited earlier from technological advancements such as the telegraph and an expansive railroad network.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1830s, the U.S. postal system was comparatively underdeveloped compared to the systems in France and Britain. Prior to the implementation of rural free delivery in 1896, most Americans living in rural areas, who made up over sixty percent of the population, had to collect their mail from the nearest town's post office. However, in France and Britain, the postal systems were more advanced with extensive networks that could leverage recent technological innovations like the steam locomotive and telegraph for faster communication and delivery.
During this period, messaging systems were primarily dependent on horseback riders, as indicated by the official seal of the Post Office Department. It wasn't until the development of the telegraph and the expansion of the railroad infrastructure in the 1840s and 1850s that the U.S. postal service began to see the significant improvements that would eventually lead to comparable service levels.
In contrast, European systems, particularly in Britain, were rapidly integrating new technology. The telegraph significantly reduced the communication time between the European centers and their colonies. The establishment of undersea cables further linked Britain with the U.S. and its other colonies, marking a major advancement in international communication by the mid-19th century. This technological edge contributed to a more efficient and reliable postal service in Europe.