Final answer:
Option (a), The Silk Road played a significant role in the early spread of globalization by connecting diverse civilizations and fostering international exchanges.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the events mentioned by Gibbon that may have unintentionally helped in the spread of globalization is a) The Silk Road. This ancient network of trade routes connected the East and West, playing a crucial role in the development of the civilizations that it linked, facilitating not only the exchange of goods but also the spread of ideas, culture, and technology.
The Silk Road's influence on global interconnectedness cannot be overstated; it served as a precursor to modern globalization by connecting diverse countries and fostering international relations.
The Industrial Revolution, on the other hand, created a significant divide between Western Europe/America and the rest of the world. It initiated immense social changes and economic growth in the industrialized nations, leading to increased global influence. The Industrial Revolution can be considered as a catalyst for modern globalization.