Final answer:
A civilization is likely to engage in trade when it specializes in making unique products that other civilizations cannot make, leading to an exchange of goods and services. Historical examples include the specialized products of al-Andalus and the global trade networks established by European expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Civilizations and Trade
A civilization is likely to engage in trade when it specializes in making products that other civilizations cannot make. When a society specializes in unique products, it essentially creates goods that are in demand by others, leading to the establishment of trade relationships. This is supported by the historical fact that civilizations, from their early days, depended on the exchange of goods and services to support their complex social structures and the specialization of labor.
For example, early urban centers required food from rural areas and in return provided finished goods and services. Moreover, civilizations such as those in al-Andalus connected to global networks of exchange, leading to cultural and technological advancements. Similarly, through trade, societies accessed new goods, technologies, and ideas, significantly impacting their cultures and progress.
Throughout history, trade has played a vital role in the development of civilizations by linking them to other societies, allowing for the growth of cities, the enrichment of cultures, and the spread of innovations, as evidenced by the Arab influence on Spain and the impact of the European expansion on global trade networks.