Causes of the Crusades
- Took place in response to the expansion of Islam throughout the Middle East
- Major goal: "Free" a.k.a. capture the Holy Land
- Pope Urban II traveled around Europe promoting the First Crusade, promising Christians salvation if they went to capture Jerusalem
- Peasants were the first group called upon by Pope Urban II to fight in the Crusades
The First Crusade
- Christians successful in taking Jerusalem and the Holy Land
The Founding of Crusader States
- Crusaders divide the Holy Land into provinces they would rule
The Second Crusade
- After Muslims retake the Holy Land, Christians launch a Second Crusade
- The Second Crusade is unsuccessful in retaking the Holy Land
The Third Crusade
- European Christians launch a Third Crusade to take the Holy Land
- The Third Crusade is unsuccessful in retaking the Holy Land
The Fourth Crusade
- The Fourth Crusade never makes it to the Holy Land
- European Christians sack and loot Constantinople
Effects of the Crusades
- Strengthened monarchs, who gained new powers of taxation during the time of the Crusades
- Caused disillusionment with Popes and nobles, who began to launch and fight Crusades too often, and sometimes against fellow Christians
- Stimulated trade throughout the Mediterranean area and the Middle East
- Left and legacy of bitterness among Christians, Jews, and Muslims
- Weakened the Byzantine Empire