causes and effects of the Crusades?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades
The Crusades were a series of military campaigns launched by European Christians between the 11th and 13th centuries. They aimed to regain control of the holy sites in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, which were under Muslim control at the time. The Crusades had various causes and effects, including:
Causes of the Crusades:
1. Religious motives: The primary cause was the desire of European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem, which was significant to Christianity.
2. Political motives: Some European leaders saw the Crusades as an opportunity to expand their territories or secure alliances with other kingdoms.
3. Economic motives: Trade routes to the East were important, and the Crusades provided a chance for European merchants to establish new trade routes and acquire wealth.
4. Social motives: The promise of salvation and the opportunity to embark on an adventurous journey attracted many knights and commoners alike.
Effects of the Crusades:
1. Loss of life: The Crusades resulted in significant loss of life for both Christians and Muslims. Many battles, sieges, and massacres occurred during this period.
2. Cultural exchange: The Crusaders came into contact with various cultures in the East, leading to an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and goods. This helped to enrich European culture.
3. Economic changes: The Crusades stimulated trade between Europe and the East, leading to the growth of merchant class and the revival of cities. This also prompted the expansion of banking and financial systems.
4. Weakening of feudalism: Knights leaving their estates to join the Crusades weakened feudalism, leading to a shift in power dynamics and a rise in the influence of kings and centralized authority.
5. Bitterness and conflict: The Crusades created long-lasting animosity between Christians and Muslims, fostering distrust and hostility that persisted for centuries.
To learn more about the causes and effects of the Crusades, you can explore historical books, scholarly articles, and online resources that delve into this topic in detail.