The Crusades significantly changed trade in Europe, primarily because they created demand for luxury items brought back by the soldiers. As Crusaders traveled to the Holy Land, they encountered various cultures and goods, leading to an increased interest in exotic products such as spices, silk, and other luxury items not readily available in Europe. This desire for luxury goods sparked greater trade routes and increased commerce, particularly with the East, as merchants sought to capitalize on this new demand.
To summarize, among the choices given, the most accurate statement is: They created demand for luxury items brought back by the soldiers.