Which social change occurred in Europe as a result of the Crusades and increased commerce?

The development of a new middle class known as the bourgeoisie in Europe was a significant social change that arose from the Crusades and the subsequent increase in commerce. The Crusades not only stimulated trade between Europe and the East but also led to the expansion of markets and the movement of goods, ideas, and people. As a result, new economic opportunities emerged for individuals who engaged in trade, crafts, and other commercial activities.

This increase in economic activity allowed for the rise of merchants and skilled workers who were no longer reliant on feudal lords for their livelihoods. As these individuals began to accumulate wealth and influence, they formed a distinct socio-economic group known as the bourgeoisie. This group was characterized by its role in the economy, its accumulation of wealth from commerce and industry, and its increasing political influence. The bourgeoisie played a crucial role in the gradual decline of the feudal system and the evolution of a more market-oriented society.

The other options do not reflect the social changes that occurred as a direct result of the Crusades and increased commerce. For instance, the creation of a serf class and the heightened power of feudal lords were elements of the earlier medieval period, while the consolidation of church authority over secular matters does not directly