Causes and Effects of the Crusades

E.Q. What were the causes and effects of the Crusades? Background Information http://jwwartick.com Background Information Three major religious groups all claimed Jerusalem, in the land of Palestine, as their holy city. CHRISTIANS JEWS MUSLIMS http://israeljewels.com What was each religion’s claim to Jerusalem? To Christians: *Place where Jesus was crucified, arose from the dead, and ascended to heaven To Jews: *Abraham was given this land by God. To Muslims: *Abraham was given this land by God. *Place where Muhammad ascended into heaven to meet Allah Background Information *In 600 C.E., Muslims entered the city of Jerusalem and took control. *Muslims allowed Christians and Jews to make pilgrimages to visit Jerusalem. *Jews and Christians could even live in Palestine as long as they paid an extra tax. http://masonslater.com The Crusades What were the Crusades? The Crusades were a series of eight Christian military expeditions fought against Muslims for the Holy Lands between the years of 1096 and 1270 C.E. The word “crusade” comes from the Latin word crux meaning cross. “To take up the cross” meant to become a crusader. To identify themselves, crusaders sewed symbols of the cross of Christ onto their clothing and painted crosses onto their shields. What caused the Crusades? ***Holy Land was closed to Christians. • Around 1095 C.E., a new group of Muslims (Seljuk Turks) took control of the Holy Lands, including Jerusalem, and closed it to all Jewish and Christian pilgrims. • The Emperor of the Byzantine Empire asked Pope Urban II for help in regaining these lands for Christians. • Pope Urban II agreed to help and called for the first Crusade. What Caused the Crusades? (Other Motivations) The Pope hoped that the Crusades would also….. • Give the Roman Catholic Church power over the church of the Byzantine Empire • Reduce warfare at home – Nobles fight the Muslims instead of each other http://atheism.about.com What Caused the Crusades? With your shoulder partner, discuss the MAIN cause of the Crusades. Also discuss some of the other factors that led to the Crusades. http://www.traditioninaction.org Why did people fight in the Crusades? When Pope Urban II called for the first Crusade, about 30,000 men left Western Europe to fight in the Holy Land. What was their motivation? http://www.historyfacts.info Why did people fight in the Crusades? • Religious convictions (They believed it was their duty as Christians.) • Pope promised forgiveness of sins for anyone who fought in Crusades. • Serfs were freed from their role in the feudal system. • Taxes would be paid by Church and any debt would be cancelled. • Gain personal wealth by claiming riches in Holy Land. • Adventure http://www.twcenter.net Why did people fight in the Crusades? With your shoulder partner, based on the information learned give one reason why you might have decided to fight in the Crusades. http://www.laboringinthelord.com The Crusades • The Crusades were a series of eight conflicts. • Video “Crusades to the Middle East” 1:26 - end http://historywithsanders.blogspot.com What were the effects of the Crusades? • Stimulated TRADE -new products introduced -cities and towns grew in importance -port cities in Italy became important trading centers (Venice) • Weakened Feudalism -Nobles and Knights left or sold their fiefs to fight. -Many serfs were given freedom. • Kings of Europe became more powerful • Increased use of money • Spread of ideas, cultures, and advancements http://www.thearma.org What were the effects of the Crusades? • Video “Legacy” • With shoulder partner, give one effect of the Crusades and explain why it is important. The Crusades: 1095-1272 Life Before the Turning Point Europe was in the Dark Ages. There was little trade and lack of education. Serfs worked the land and did not leave their manor. The Church dominated socially and politically. Turning Point Pope Urban II called for all Christians to unite and fight the Muslims to regain control of the Holy lands. Effects/Changes/Impact After four Crusades, the Muslims won control of the Holy Lands. However, the crusades resulted in increased trade in Europe and the development of towns. Trade routes needed to be protected, which led to the rise of power of Kings and the decrease of power of the nobles.