* Increased trade between Europe and the East.
* Introduction of new crops and products to Europe, such as sugar, cotton, and spices.
* Increased wealth of European cities, especially Venice and Genoa.
* Increased taxes and inflation.
* Increased growth in the population.
Social effects
* Increased social mobility, as people from all classes could participate in the Crusades.
* Increased communication between Europe and the Middle East.
* Increased religious toleration, as Europeans came into contact with different religions.
- Reduced the power of the nobility relative to the monarchies of Western Europe.
Political effects
* Increased power of the papacy, which organized and led the Crusades.
* Increased power of the monarchies of Western Europe, which led most of the Crusades.
* Increased conflict between Christians and Muslims.
- Increased European military technology, especially in the areas of castle construction and naval warfare.
Cultural effects
* Increased European cultural awareness and appreciation of other civilizations.
* Increased interest in classical learning and culture.
* Increased development of European universities and intellectual life.
- Increased artistic and literary production, especially in the areas of epic poetry, chivalric romance, and Gothic architecture.