The Crusades had reopened trade between the Eastern world and the West from the 12th century on. A new merchant class had developed which became richer and more influential than the nobility. Feudalism began to decline and the monarchs became more dependent on the merchants than the nobles. Explain why the major European countries started to explore new areas of the globe, what the role of mercantilism was, how PortugaL set the pace of exploration, and the effect the opening of the Atlantic had on Europe. Your essay should be at least four (4) pages in length. Your grade will be determined using the following breakdown- 60%- Content- detailed responses to questions 20%- Clarity and organization 10%- Proper use of citations and sources 10%- Timeliness of submission This essay addresses outcomes- 1. Discuss the historical development of Western Civilization to the present, including the key political, social and economic forces that shaped the West. 2. Discuss varying interpretations of institutions, people, practices and events throughout this period, including ideologies and motivations. 3. Identify and analyze events throughout this period, such as the rise of Russia and Prussia, the French Enlightenment, the French Revolution, Socialism, the Russian Revolution, world Wars, the Cold war, and the rise of militant, political Islam..