What were the lasting cultural and political impacts of the crusades on european societies?

The Crusades occurred from the eleventh to the thirteenth century. The Crusades failed in their religious ventures but revived trade between East and West and enhanced European commercial life, encouraging birth of towns and brought wealth to places like Venice and Pisa. The political impact rose out of the absence or death of crusading noblemen.  In their absence emperors and kings jumped at the opportunity to gain authority over surrounding lands which eventually lead to the birth of nations such as France and England.