The Crusades: Positive and Negative Effects

One of the pivotal moments of the Middle Ages in both Europe and the Middle East was the Crusades,
which took place from the 11th to the 15th century CE. The campaigns not only prompted reforms
within the states that planned and waged them, but they also had important effects everywhere they
took place. Even after the crusades were over, its effect still carries an influence on international
relations today.  The Crusades were the start of wars between Christians and Muslims for domination of
the “Holy Land.” Although the Crusades brought about a lot of positive and negative impacts, on the
negative side it ushered in wide-scale persecution of the Jews.  Over centuries, kings either banished
Jews from their lands or made them pay high tributes in exchange for the right to stay. There was also
festered hatred against the Muslims. Arguably, the clash between these three religions and this area of
the world continues still today. On the positive side, naval trade expanded between the West and East.
The trading of silk, spices, and porcelain created a new market for merchants. The Crusades also created
different trading routes and room from exploration to new lands. Beyond religion, communication
between various social groups facilitated the spread of scientific and philosophical understanding. As
such, when European crusaders encountered Middle Eastern inhabitants, they were exposed to new
ideas and inventions which eventually made their way back into European society. As a result, the
societies that participated in the crusades gained new knowledge about one another's cultural aspects.