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
