The six officially organized Crusades designed to free Jerusalem and the Holy Land from the Muslims (Turks) caused a vast number of critical changes in Europe as a result. Three of the most significant were: Politics, Intellectual development, Commerce
Politics – The Crusades won four times and lost it all each time due to military and political ineptitude. After the Crusades, Byzantium was destroyed as a first rate power with the ousting of Constantinople and the loss of Anatolia from the Turks. The Turks used Constantinople for three centuries before taking it. The Crusades also helped in breaking down the power of the feudal aristocracy and gave a clear distinction to the kings and people. A great deal of property was given to the crown from thousands of nobles that died on foreign soil without heirs. The cities also gained numerous political advantages at the expense of crusading noblemen. In the 12th and 13th century, the burgher class now had ready money for contributions. In return, they received special privileges.
Intellectual Development – The crusaders regardless how poor or uneducated they were, spread the word by the hundreds of thousands how glorious the East was. They opened Europe’s eyes to the wonders and advantages of travelling to a land they could never conceive of before and enjoy and learn the manners and delightful array of possessions of these strange little people. They were in awe at the idea of trading their goods for those of Asia.
Commerce – Due to the Crusaders original travels, a permanent demand for the transportation of men and goods was created. Ship building was a must for transporting to and from the far East to Europe. The ships carried products from glorious cities of Damascus, Mosul, Cairo, and others across the Mediterranean to the Italian seaports and into all of Europe. The silks, tapestries, perfumes, spices pearls and ivory were considered heaven from the East.
Other changes included:
Catholic Church – The Catholic Church held a death grip on literally everything. The Crusades empowered her even further by increasing her wealth and papal authority. For the thousands preparing for the pilgrimage, in exchange for prayers gladly signed their estates and other worldly goods over to the Church for a pittance of its actual worth. To maintain its tight grip over the lands, the Church was quite cunning in obtaining as much money as possible.
Feudalism – For hundreds of years feudalism was predicated on the king granting a division of land to nobles and others in return for their military service. At that time, land was the primary source for the economy. To finance their crusading expedition, literally thousands of barons and knights mortgaged and sold their land. Sadly, thousands died in Syria and their estates automatically went to the crown because they lacked an heir.
Social – Because of the crusades those that survived with the exception of war, thoroughly enjoyed experiencing new lands and the cultures of other people. The tales of their travels opened everyone’s eyes to the prospect of trying new tastes and wearing finer clothing. Middle class began to grow because of the crusades ventures. Eventually, when bartering for goods they began using currency with the foreign lands – thus ending feudalism.
Material Development – Even though the Crusades failed in their original endeavor, they had an indelible impact on western civilization by opening the eyes of the West to the alluring goods of the East. It was a new way of life, and thinking for Europe regarding art, manufacture, and inventions from Asia. Venice, Pisa, and Genoa especially blossomed in wealth and reputation due to their trade. The Mediterranean was filled with ships carrying cargo to and fro.
Voyages of Discovery – Because of the Crusades, adventurers such as Marco Polo were given the incentive of geographical discovery to explore even the most remote countries of Asia. Eventually, the success of many inspired Columbus, Vasco de Gama, and Magellan to set out to all parts of the world to explore and conquer.
It is my humble opinion Commerce is the most significant point of the three I have chosen. Due to their amazing discoveries in the Middle Ages regarding what the East had to offer and acting upon it changed their civilization and made Italy a super-power for Europe. Technology in transportation has vastly improved and we reap the benefits of transporting goods from all over the world to and from.
