The Crusades: How Did They Change the World?

Yesterday we talked about the effects of the Crusades. 

We learned that one positive effect of the Crusades was an increase in the amount of trade between Europeans and Asians. 

While in the Holy Land, the Crusaders discovered numerous products (including delicious apricots and zesty spices) that did not grow in the cooler European climate.

After the Crusades ended, and most of the Europeans returned home, they wanted more of the Asian food and resources. Therefore, they began to send trading ships to Asia to obtain them.

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Meanwhile, some of the kings in Europe grew more powerful as a result of the Crusades. When nobles died in the fighting, their land transferred back to the king.

More land meant more power, and the kings of England and France grew especially strong during the later part of the Middle Ages.

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We also learned that a negative effect of the Crusades was that some Christians and Muslims held onto their hard feelings from the fighting -- sometimes even for many generations after the actual fighting ended. 

Do you have a favorite spice?

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