The First Crusade was conducted by Christians in response to a call to arms issued by Pope Urban II in 1095. The primary reason for the Crusade was to reclaim the Holy Land (Jerusalem and the surrounding areas) from Muslim control. The Christians believed that reclaiming these sacred sites was a holy duty and a way to cleanse their sins. Additionally, the Crusade served as a way for Christian leaders to unite their followers and assert their authority over the region. Some historians also argue that economic and political motives played a role in motivating the Crusaders to participate in the expedition.
