Final answer:
Long-distance trade brought both positive and negative effects to societies throughout history, including cultural diffusion, economic growth, exploitation of resources, and displacement of indigenous communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long-distance trade brought both positive and negative effects to societies throughout history. On the positive side, it facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, leading to cultural diffusion and economic growth. Merchants and traders enriched local societies by bringing luxury goods and enhancing local economies. However, there were also negative consequences, such as the exploitation of natural resources, the spread of diseases, and the displacement of indigenous communities. Despite these negative effects, overall, trade has proven to be beneficial and has played a significant role in the development of civilizations.