Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) was created to keep up with the faster convergence speeds of routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP when responding to network changes. RSTP works by designating alternative and backup ports that can immediately enter the forwarding state rather than passively waiting for the network to converge like STP. It is faster than STP by allowing blocking ports to immediately transition to forwarding when the root port fails and adding a mechanism for replacing designated ports without waiting to forward.