Chapter 13 : Medieval Europe at Its Height In the late A.D. 1000s the Christians of western Europe began the first of a series of Crusades to win Palestine from Muslim rulers. The Crusades did not succeed, but they did open Europe to other ways of life and stimulated trade between European and Islamic peoples. Improvements in farming increased food production in Europe, and its economy began to revive. As trade and the use of money expanded, towns grew up along trade routes. A new wealthy middle class emerged that challenged the feudal system. Increased prosperity also influenced the growth of art, literature, and learning. Monarchies continued to grow stronger in such countries as England, France, and Spain, but the Holy Roman emperor in Germany struggled for power with the pope. The increasing involvement of the popes in political affairs damaged the Church's prestige.