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.