Final answer:
The Crusades led to increased trade in small towns along their paths, as crusaders and pilgrims required services and supplies which stimulated local economies. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The crusade to Santiago is generally associated with the pilgrimage route known as the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), which is not typically described as a crusade per se.
However, if we consider the broader impact of crusading movements, such as those to the Holy Land, and their effects on small towns along the way, the most likely answer to how these towns were affected is that it led to increased trade.
As the crusaders and pilgrims traveled, these towns provided necessary services such as food, lodging, and supplies, which created a demand for goods and opportunities for trade.
For instance, the Crusades were a series of religious and military campaigns in the medieval period, which aimed to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control.
Across their many campaigns spanning from the 11th to the 13th centuries, crusaders journeyed through various towns and regions, often bringing with them wealth, and igniting localized economic activity.
The presence of Crusaders increased the flow of goods and services, leading to economic stimulation in these areas. As crusaders traveled, they would need to resupply and rest, providing an economic boon to small towns en route. The correct option is b.