Which country's rail system first introduced regular passenger service at speeds of 200+ km/h (124+ mph), officially launching the modern high-speed rail era?

Test your knowledge about one of the most significant innovations in transportation history! High-speed rail transformed how people travel between cities and continues to evolve worldwide. This question focuses on the pioneering breakthrough that launched the modern era of high-speed train travel. Consider the different national rail systems and which country first broke the speed barrier that defined the beginning of true high-speed rail service.

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Japan with the Shinkansen 'Bullet Train' in 1964
France with the TGV in 1981
Germany with the InterCityExpress (ICE) in 1978
United States with the Metroliner in 1969