ELI5 Postage Stamps - who gets paid for international mail?

If I send a letter or postcard from the UK to the USA, who gets money from my stamp? Once it reaches the receiving country, what makes them obliged to deliver my letter if they are not receiving payment for it? When was the global system for postage established? How does overnight shipping get where it's going faster than a normal package? Why not make everything overnight? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: riconquer2, riphitter, rhynod, psunavy03, prudent-artist-274, p33k4y, arcturusflyer and admirable_cry_3795 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Send us an e-mail: [email protected]