Final answer:
Religious influence, particularly during the High Middle Ages, played a critical role in state building between 1200-1450. It helped to organize society and justify rulers' authority, as seen in the Crusades and the interweaving of religious and political power.
Step-by-step explanation:
One cultural aspect that led to increased state building between 1200-1450 is d) Religious influence. During this period, also known as the High Middle Ages, religious cohesion and the institutions of the feudal world played a significant role in societal organization and the ordering of society. Popes sought to reform the church and exerted their authority to challenge secular rulers, while rulers integrated Christian beliefs into their governance to legitimize and restrain violence. For instance, the Byzantine emperor's appeal to the pope for assistance against encroaching forces marked the beginning of the Crusades, reflecting the profound impact of religion on both state building and military conflict.
The call to Crusade buttressed state power and unity under the guise of religious righteousness, impacting the geopolitical landscape of the time significantly. Similarly, the Seljuk Turks embraced Persian culture, art, and literature after taking on the role of guardians over the Abbasid realms. This cultural absorption facilitated their consolidation of power. The role of religion in governance and state affairs underscored many aspects of state building during this era, reflecting a merging of spiritual and temporal power that influenced societal dynamics and state policies.