How did this trade network affect the civilizations who were involved in it?
A.
It led the leaders of their governments to establish isolationist policies.
B.
It provided them access to resources not available in their environments.
C.
It contributed to the rapid decline of their economies.
D.
It helped to protect them from the spread of disease.
B. It provided them access to resources not available in their environments.
B. It provided them access to resources not available in their environments.
To understand how trade networks affected civilizations, we can analyze the given options and see which one aligns with the positive outcomes of trade.
Option A suggests that trade networks led to the establishment of isolationist policies. However, trade networks are typically characterized by increased interaction and exchange, so this option seems unlikely since isolationist policies would contradict the purpose of a trade network.
Option C claims that trade networks contributed to the rapid decline of economies. While there have been instances in history where trade imbalances or disruptions in trade have affected economies negatively, overall, trade networks have historically been seen to stimulate economic growth and prosperity. So, this option doesn't align with the general impact of trade networks.
Option D states that trade networks helped to protect civilizations from the spread of disease. This is partly true, as trade networks facilitated the exchange of not only goods but also ideas, cultures, and diseases. However, it is important to note that while trade networks allowed disease to spread, they also facilitated the spread of medical knowledge, which ultimately helped civilizations develop immunity and find cures. Therefore, trade networks had both positive and negative impacts on the spread of diseases.
Option B, on the other hand, suggests that trade networks provided civilizations with access to resources not available in their environments. This aligns with one of the main benefits of trade networks. Through trade, civilizations could acquire materials, products, and resources they lacked in their own regions, which greatly enhanced their economic development and standard of living. This option seems like the most reasonable answer.
In conclusion, option B - trade networks provided civilizations with access to resources not available in their environments - best describes how trade networks affected the civilizations involved in them.