One of the significant economic effects of the Crusades was that they encouraged the use of trade and facilitated the growth of a merchant class in Europe. As Crusaders traveled to the Holy Land, they encountered new goods, ideas, and trading practices. This exposure led to an increased demand for luxury items such as spices, silks, and other commodities from the East.
Furthermore, the Crusades helped to establish and expand trade routes between Europe and the Middle East, promoting commerce and the exchange of goods. Italian city-states such as Venice and Genoa played crucial roles as intermediaries in this trade, leading to their economic prosperity. Overall, the Crusades stimulated economic activity and the development of a more interconnected market system in Europe.