Final answer:
Chinese civilization's primary impact on European history was through technological advancements, while Indian civilization significantly influenced Europe through the transmission of mathematical knowledge. Arab civilization shaped European history by preserving and transmitting classical knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary impact of Chinese civilization on European history was technological advancements, particularly through the introduction of items such as paper, the compass, and gunpowder, which were later transmitted to Europe along the Silk Road. Similarly, Indian civilization significantly influenced European history by transmitting mathematical knowledge including the concept of zero and the decimal system, which were critical in advancing European scientific and mathematical thought.
As for the role of Arab civilization, it played a pivotal role in shaping European history by preserving and transmitting classical knowledge. This was particularly evident in al-Andalus, where Arab advancements in various fields set the stage for the European Renaissance, a period which marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity.