Final answer:
Due to the Crusades, European Christian communities experienced increased trade with distant markets, especially the Middle East. Trading activities expanded, and European Crusaders brought home exotic goods that were previously unfamiliar, enriching the continent's economy and cultural exchanges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christian communities in Europe underwent various changes due to the Crusades. One significant alteration was an increase in trade with distant markets. The Crusades encouraged crusaders to bring back goods such as silk and sugar from the Middle East to Europe, sparking an interest in foreign products and establishing new trade routes. These newly established contacts with the East had profound economic and cultural impacts on European Christian communities, allowing traders to profit and contributing to the growth of trading cities. Moreover, the Crusades transformed the traditional feudal ties in Europe by providing new wealth and privileges to those involved in these holy wars.
Contrary to some options, the increase in trade, rather than redistribution of power to peasants or equality for Jews, was a prominent change for the Christian communities during the Crusades. Additionally, support for the Orthodox Church did not significantly increase, as there were conflicts over religious authority between the Latin and Orthodox Churches.