Social and Cultural effects of the Crusades

The Crusades led to significant population movement as an estimated hundreds of thousands of Crusaders left Western Europe for the Middle East.
There was increased interaction between European Christians and non-Christian groups, especially Muslims and Jews, leading to both conflict and cooperation.
The Crusades led to a reinforcement of the feudal system, as Western European nobles often encouraged the younger sons, who would not inherit lands, to go on Crusade.
Many women managed estates in the absence of men on Crusade, demonstrating their competency in roles traditionally held by men.
Crusaders’ exposure to Eastern luxury goods and culture led to increased demand for Eastern products in Europe.

Cultural Effects of the Crusades

The Crusades contributed to a more intense and personal piety among Christians, strengthening the idea of holy war but also creating new forms of religious devotion.
The Crusades marked a major step towards Europe’s cultural expansion, as contact with the Islamic world introduced new sciences, philosophies and arts to Western Europe.
Simultaneously, the Crusades damaged relations between Christianity and other religions, especially Islam, leading to animosity and misunderstandings that have continued for centuries.
Important pieces of literature and art were created based upon the Crusades, shaping Western conceptions of both the Crusaders and their non-Christian opponents.
The Crusades helped foster a medieval concept of romantic chivalry, with idealised knightly crusaders frequently depicted in literature.