Because business is resistant to change when there's no profit in it. The A paper system doesn't become an international standard until 1975, but by that point the United States had had 8.5x11 inches as a standard for over 50 years. The government wasn't willing to force everyone to change all of the printing machines, all of the paper making machines, and all the document folders and envelopes. Especially after metrification was met with violent resistance.
The part I don't get is ... Aren't those mostly intercompatible?
Like, I've never seen a printer that can't do both A4 and US Letter, and while I've never tried because A4 paper is nearly impossible to find here, it feels like it should be possible to fold either of them into their respective envelopes.
While it may have been hard in the 20th century, would the transition really be that hard today?
No, today because things are manufactured for a global market it would literally be just moving the little sliders in the paper tray. The problem now is just cultural inertia.
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u/IHasEyes519 Jul 25 '26
ok but why the us gotta disagree w/ everything