What were the long term effects of the crusades?

The crusades helped to solidify Europe as a colonial power, uprooted traditional governmental systems, forced Christianity on many indigenous people, and allowed the Church and the kings an unbalanced control throughout Europe over both the political and economic well-being of the continent.

They also amplified the religious wars that are still going on to this day between Islam, Christianity and Judaism, but did increase communication between otherwise isolated communities which allowed Europe to flourish in the subsequent years.

In addition, Europeans began to trade with the Middle East with products like sugar, lemons, and spices becoming available for the first time in Europe.

Increased trade led to increased cultural diffusion as the crusaders and traders learned about Arab art, architecture, medicine, and mathematics. Since the Arabs were very advanced in science and mathematics, Western European knowledge increased.

After traveling to the Middle East, some of the crusaders developed a taste for adventure and so exploration of the world in general increased.