1500-1840 The Shrinking Globe Best average speed of 1850-1930 horse-drawn coaches and sailing ships, 10mph Steam locomotives average 65mph Steamships average 36mph 1950s Propeller aircraft 300-400mph.1960s igure 1.2 Fie Jet passenger aircraft 500-700mp McGraw-HillIrwoin @2003 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, All Rights Reserved.McGraw-Hill/Irwin © 2003 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., All Rights Reserved. 1-4 1500-1840 The Shrinking Globe 1850-1930 1950s 1960s Best average speed of horse-drawn coaches and sailing ships, 10mph. Steam locomotives average 65mph. Steamships average 36mph. Propeller aircraft 300-400 mph. Jet passenger aircraft 500-700mph. Figure 1.2