What effect did the Crusades have on trade in Western Europe? A) They reduced trade from Scandinavia and Russia. B) They decreased the population in Western Europe and shrank markets. C) They increased trade and exposure to new items from the Middle East. D) They brought Islamic merchants into Western Europe and led to mass conversions.

The correct answer is C) They increased trade and exposure to new items from the Middle East.

The effect that the Crusades had on trade in Western Europe was that "They increased trade and exposure to new items from the Middle East."

The Crusades were the series of wars that confronted Muslims with Christians to defend Jerusalem, a place considered sacred for both religions. The Crusaders had many consequences. Regarding commerce, the wars increased trade and exposure to new items from the Middle East in new markets. European people ended up loving luxurious Arab products.

The correct answer is C) they increased trade and exposure to new items from the Middle East.

Middle East represented a place full of exotic goods which resultedly attracted Europeans. Thus, they encouraged trade with the Middle East. Crusaders would come to the holy land transport goods by sea; this business was very profitable in its time.