Although the crusades failed, they had a major impact on Western Europe. They helped to break down feudalism by increasing the authority of kings. Some nobles died in battle without leaving an heir. Their lands passed to the king. Some nobles sold their land in an effort to raise money to pay the special tax levied by the king to offset the cost of the crusades. Some nobles gave their serfs a chance to buy their freedom in an effort to raise money they needed to buy armor and weapons Some young men who could buy their way out of feudal obligation joined the crusades. Many died. That reduced the work force. If a farm failed, it passed to the king.    From their exposure to superior Muslim technology, Europeans learned how to  Build better ships Use a compass   Western Europe began to express an interest in trade. The crusaders brought back luxury goods. These items were vastly popular. To get more, Western Europe began to trade with her neighbors. Goods brought back included:  Silk Spices Sugar Art Literature   Trade Fairs & Marketplaces Presentations in PowerPoint format   To return to the index,  click on the castle