Final answer:
The Crusades caused a shift in power away from the Church, enhancing the power of the Monarchy. They also sparked a period of exploration and trade, leading to the establishment of new trade routes and the Columbian Exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Crusades and the Shift in Power
The Crusades caused a shift in power away from The Church, enhancing the power of the Monarchy. The Church, with its extensive influence and wealth, had been a major player in European politics. However, the Crusades weakened the authority and moral standing of the Church, allowing monarchs to consolidate power and assert their dominance.
The Crusades and European Exploration
The Crusades also played a role in European exploration. When Catholic Crusaders returned from the Middle East, they brought back tales of new lands and peoples they encountered. These stories, along with goods such as silk and sugar, sparked a desire for exploration and trade with other regions.
The Impact of Exploration
As European explorers ventured further around the world, they sought new trade routes and resources. This resulted in the establishment of the Columbian Exchange, a period of extensive biological and cultural exchange between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The new world also experienced the devastating effects of European diseases, war, famine, and colonization. Indigenous peoples suffered greatly as a result of their lack of acquired immunity.
The Power of Exploration
Prince Henry, also known as Prince Henry the Navigator, was instrumental in advancing exploration. Through his support and sponsorship of explorers, they were able to venture further along the coast of Africa. His efforts were driven by a desire for trade, wealth, and expansion.
Conclusion
The Crusades and the subsequent period of exploration had significant impacts on European society and politics. They shifted power away from the Church and heightened the power of the Monarchy. They also sparked a period of exploration and trade, leading to the establishment of new trade routes and the Columbian Exchange.
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