There was little economic growth in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, during the Middle Ages, but (mention the crusades)

There was little economic growth in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, during the Middle Ages, but the Crusades brought significant religious and cultural change to the continent.

The Crusades were a series of military expeditions that took place from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The objective of these campaigns was to recover the Holy Land from Muslim rule. The Crusades were encouraged by the Catholic Church, and therefore, were considered "holy wars." One of the most important effects of these wars was the cultural change that it brought to the continent. It led to the rise of trade. It also consolidated the power of the Church and the Pope. Finally, it led to many accounts of chivalry and heroism which influence Medieval romances, philosophy and literature.