The Crusades were a series of religious and political wars
between Christian, Orthodox Greeks and Muslim entities. The first Crusade
started primarily to secure control of Jerusalem, a sacred site to the
Christians. In all, eight major Crusade expeditions – varying in size, strength
and degree of success – occurred between 1096 and 1291. The costly, violent and
often ruthless conflicts enhanced the status of western European Christians,
making them major players in the fight for land in the Middle East. While the
Crusades ultimately resulted in a Muslim victory, many argue that the Crusades
successfully extended the reach of Christianity and Western civilization. Trade
and transportation improved throughout Europe. After the Crusades, there was a
heightened interest in travel and learning throughout Europe, which some
historians believe may have paved the way for the Renaissance. Among some
followers of Islam, however, the Crusades were regarded as being more about
land expansion and trade than religion. Even today, some Muslims derisively
refer to the West's involvement in the Middle East as a "crusade." There is no
question that the years of warfare and conflict brought by the Crusades had an
impact on Middle East and Western European nations for many years, and they
still influence political and cultural views held today.
Purpose: Get a broad overview of the Crusades, who fought in
the Crusades, their reasons and what relevance the Crusades have today
Facilitator: Tom Lemon |
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