Why did the people of the middle ages fought in the crusades
Don't you read the answers to your posts?
I answered this for you last night.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1318893966
The people of the Middle Ages fought in the Crusades for various reasons, including religious fervor, economic incentives, and political motivations. To understand why they fought, we need to explore the historical context of the Crusades.
The Crusades were a series of religiously motivated military campaigns launched by Western European Christians in the 11th to 13th centuries. The primary objective of the Crusades was to capture and reclaim Jerusalem, which had been under Muslim control since the 7th century.
Religion played a crucial role in motivating people to participate in the Crusades. The Pope proclaimed the Crusades as holy wars, offering spiritual rewards to those who fought in the name of Christianity. Many devout Christians believed that participating in the Crusades was a way to secure their salvation and ensure religious redemption. In addition, religious leaders and preachers portrayed Muslims as infidels and a threat to Christendom, further fueling religious zeal among the participants.
Economic factors also played a significant role in driving people to join the Crusades. By the 11th century, Europe was experiencing population growth and limited resources. The agricultural productivity was limited, and younger sons of aristocratic families often had few economic opportunities available to them. Joining the Crusades offered the chance for glory, wealth, and new lands, as they could seize territories from the Muslims in the Holy Land.
Political motivations were also prevalent during the Crusades. Rulers and noble families sought to extend their territorial influence and power. Participating in the Crusades allowed them to secure alliances, increase their prestige, and potentially acquire new territories. Additionally, the Church and the Pope utilized the Crusades as a way to redirect the violence that was otherwise endangering Christian Europe due to feudal conflicts within the nobility.
In summary, the people of the Middle Ages fought in the Crusades due to a combination of religious fervor, economic prospects, and political considerations. Understanding the historical context and the motivations behind the Crusades helps us grasp why individuals were willing to embark on these arduous and often dangerous campaigns.