Crusades Essay, Research Paper
The military expeditions planned and fought by western European Christians that began
around 1095 are known today as the Crusades. The soul purpose of these expeditions
was to overtake and gain control of the Holy Land, Jerusalem, from the Muslims. ?Deus
vult! (God wills it!)? was the battle cry of the thousands of Christians who participated in
the event of the Crusades. It was Christian belief that fate was to gain control of the Holy
Land for the glory of God. The origin of the Crusades was a result of the Turkish
expansion in the middle east; the Turks invaded the Christian empire, Byzantium, and thus
the crusaders were sent out to recover the land which was rightfully theirs.
The first crusade was initiated by Pope Urban II. On November 27, 1095, Pope Urban
preached to his followers outside the city of Clermont-Ferrand about the action which
needed to take place. Preaching words about how God would lead the way because they
would be doing his work, Pope Urban urged action to take place. In response to his
speech, the people cheered and planned their crusade to regain control of the lost city.
Urban brought all the bishops and urged them to encourage their friends and fellow
villagers to take part in the expedition. Small self-directing groups began to form, each
planning their own path to Constantinople; that was where they would meet and form
unity. Their plan was to attack the Turkish forces in Constantinople and regain control of
the city.
The Christian armies conversed with the Byzantium emperor, Alexius I Comnenus, and
agreed to return any of the old land that was recaptured. The armies were unsure about
this agreement, however, they agreed to the treaty anyhow. The first attack by the
crusaders was on the Turkish capital, Anatolian. During the same time frame, the
Byzantians were also making an attempt to regain the city of Anatolian. The Byzantians
used the crusades to their advantage to achieve their goal in capturing the city. Later in
the year, Anatolian surrendered the city to the Byzantians, not the crusaders. The
crusaders then met once again and together defeated the Turkish army, scoring a great
victory and boosting their ego by far. Afterwards, the crusaders went and captured the
city of Antioch, and then moved on to their primary goal–Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was under heavy guard by the Egyptians at the time period when the crusaders
were about to make their attack. The crusaders set up siege machines and called for
reinforcements, and eventually, the Egyptians surrendered to them. All who dwelled in
the city were massacred in belief that the blood of former possessors purified the city.
For the next generation or so, the crusaders kept control over the Holy Land and invited
their people to come inhabit the city. They began to colonize and set up states; the four
major states which were set up consisted of: Tripoli, Antioch, Edessa, and Jerusalem.
The crusaders used the strategy of isolating and cutting off supplies that could lead to
strengthening to the Muslims and Egyptians. However, as the next generation came
about, the children of the original crusaders were not quite as motivated and determined as
the original fleet, so the Muslims escaped the isolation and regained power. The Muslims,
under the leadership of the radical leader, Zangi, found victory in attacking Edessa. The
Muslims destroyed churches, homes, building, and murdered many crusaders, and
regained control of the city.
The Pope, seeing the events that were taking place, declared yet a second crusade to
recapture the lost territory once again. Armies from France and Germany set out to meet
once again in Jerusalem and join forces. However, the German crusaders were ambushed
during their voyage depleting their supplies and cavalry. The few remaining joined the
French fleet in Jerusalem, and together attempted an attack on Damascus. Being badly
defeated, the French army returned home, while the Germans remained with the colonies
of the former crusaders. The states established by the crusaders were slowly being
destroyed, and thus, the failure of the second crusade led into a third.
Nur ad-Din, the new Muslim leader, motivated the Muslims into believing that they should
take back what was thought to be theirs. However, the newfound leader died a few years
proceeding, and yet another leader, Saladin, came to power. With the newly revived
army, Saladin led his army in an attack to recapture Jerusalem in 1187. In early October,
Saladin defeated the crusaders and gained control of Jerusalem.
Pope Gregory VIII then called for a third crusade. Frederick I, Roman Emperor, Philip II,
French king, Richard I of England, all joined together to assemble one of the most
powerful armies during the time of the middle ages. However, due to the many
misfortunes the crusaders faced, they were not able to recapture control of Jerusalem.
Returning home, the Roman, French, and English armies accomplished none of the goals
which they had set.
Almost immediately upon being elected pope, Innocent III assumed the leadership of the
Fourth Crusade. He organized a crusade to attack the Muslims in Egypt. However,
almost immediately, Innocent lost control over the Crusade. The original plan if the
Fourth Crusade to meet in Venice and ship hosts to the Holy Land, however, financial
problems formed because of the expenses involve in shipping so many. The Venetians
agreed to give up the ships if the crusaders would help them capture the city of Zara.
After capturing Zara, the Venetians urged to take control over the city of Constantinople.
Innocent forbade this expedition, however, most of the crusaders went anyhow; in July
1203, the crusaders took control over Constantinople. The Fourth Crusade was not a
crusade that was bound for the Holy Land, but only an event of political and commercial
greed.
Following the Fourth Crusade was the Children?s Crusades. Singing and shouting, French
children marched out across the countryside to the edges of the Mediterranean Sea, where
old, rotted merchant ships provided free transport across to the Holy Land. However, the
ships were sunk by a storm, and all aboard the vessels drowned in the icy waters of the
Mediterranean. Meanwhile, children in Germany began a march to convert the atheists to
Christianity. However, these children also faced tragedy and death, for they were not
equipped for the hardships of the Alps to Rome.
As a result of the Crusades, life in Europe changed a great deal. Trade with the East
increased and feudalism became scarce. The crusaders failed to regain the Holy Land, but
the Eastern connections opened Europe to a brighter understanding of optimistic ways of
living and thinking. This began the formation of modern Europe.
Annotated Bibliography
Biel, Timothy Levi. The Crusades. San Diego: Lucent, 1995.
-This reference was used as a primary source containing various poems and writings
during the time of the Crusades; it was used to better understand the time period and was
a reference in the essay. It was also used as a source of illustrations for our presentation
board.
?Crusades.? Compton?s Interactive Encyclopedia. 1996 ed.
-This reference was used as a secondary source to research background information and
factual references on the Crusades. It was also used as a resource of illustrations for our
presentation board.
?Crusades.? Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 1997 ed.
-This reference was used to find maps of the routes taken by the crusaders during the
Crusades and as a secondary source of factual information.
?Crusades.? Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1993 Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright (c) 1993 Funk & Wagnall?s Corporation.
-This reference was used as a secondary source of factual information in our essay.
Ereira, Alan, Jones, Terry. Crusades. New York: B B C Enterprises, 1995.
-This reference was used in order to find illustrations and pictures for our presentation
board; it was also used as a secondary source of research and material.
Hallam, E.M. Chronicles of the Crusades: Eyewitness Accounts of the War between
Christianity and Islam. New York: Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1984.
-This reference was used as a primary source to better understand the events of the
Crusades with the eyewitness accounts of the crusades.
?Pope Innocent III.? Online. altavista/the crusades/documentaries/ 16
February 1998.
-This reference was used as a secondary source to better understand the role of Pope
Innocent III during the Fourth Crusade.
?Urban II: Speech at Clermont 1095 (Robert the Monk Version).? Medieval
Sourcebook. 1996 ed.
-This reference was used as a primary reference to better understand Urban?s speech at
Clermont.
?Urban II: Speech at Council of Clermont, 1095, according to Fulcher or Chartres.?
Medieval Sourcebook. 1996 ed.
-This reference was used as a primary source to research one of Urban?s speeches given.
?Urban?s Speech.? Online. altavista/the crusades/documentaries/ 16
February 1998.
-This reference was used as a primary source to view Urban?s speech to the people in
initiation of the First Crusade.
Другие работы по теме:
Crusades Essay Research Paper The CrusadesAfter the
Crusades Essay, Research Paper The Crusades After the death of Charlemagne, king of the Franks, in 814 and the following collapse of his empire, Christian Europe was under attack and on the defensive. The Magyars, nomadic people from Asia, ravaged eastern and central Europe until the 10th century. Around 800, several centuries of Viking raids disrupted life in northern Europe and even threatened Mediterranean cities.
The Rennisance Essay Research Paper The Renaissance
The Rennisance Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance, which began in Italy in 1300s, was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. The increase in trade caused an abundance in wealth that resulted in the focusing on the arts. Such things as literature, paintings, sculptures and many more works are known to have blossomed from the period known as the Renaissance.
The Fuedal System Essay Research Paper Feudalism
The Fuedal System Essay, Research Paper Feudalism is defined in the dictionary as ?A political and economic system of medieval Europe by which a landowner granted land to a vassal in exchange for
Military Experiences Essay Research Paper Military AdvantagesI
Military Experiences Essay, Research Paper Military Advantages I was sitting there signing what I thought was a never ending stack of papers, in my recruiters office. I remember my recruiter telling me about the engineers. I was sitting there with
ROTC Entrence Essay Essay Research Paper entrance
ROTC Entrence Essay Essay, Research Paper entrance essay For almost as long as I cn remember, I have been interested in th military. Influenced by such movies as “Patton”, and by my dad’s interest in military history, my
Terrorism Essay Research Paper Terrorism is defined
Terrorism Essay, Research Paper Terrorism is defined as “the use of violent means against non-military targets”. Acts of terrorism are typically designed to destroy the authority and legitimacy of a country. While the US is a legitmate world power, we do not experience a substantial amount of terrorism.
Religious Wars Essay Research Paper Religion has
Religious Wars Essay, Research Paper Religion has played a key role in wars and death. Religion is the basis of belief for humans, it is a belief that there is a higher being that watches over us guiding us, a belief that there is life after death and if we follow these beliefs we shall enter heaven the most beautiful place.
Crusades 4 Essay Research Paper Introduction In
Crusades 4 Essay, Research Paper Introduction In the year of our lord 1095, Pope Urban II started what we know as the Holy Wars or the Crusades. Over the period from 1095-1464, a series of military expeditions were fought to take back the Holy Land, Jerusalem, from the Seldjuk Turks. There were eight crusades which were spurred for many different reasons by many different people that left a lasting effect to the world.
Crusades Essay Research Paper The Crusades were
Crusades Essay, Research Paper The Crusades were Europe’s version for “holy wars” during the Middle Ages. The official First Crusade began in 1096-1099. The First Crusade conquered a strip of land along the eastern
September 11 Essay Research Paper Todays military
September 11 Essay, Research Paper Today?s military has seen numerous changes that have taken place since Sept. 11 2001. Why is it before the 11th of September, the people that the military protects was basically badmouthing and putting us down? Why are they so proud to wave the American flag? Why wasn?t the flag flown high with pride before the 11th of September? It amazes the military because flags are often flown when terrorist?s acts take place and not when there is constitutional freedom.
Gun Control Essay Research Paper Topic
Gun Control Essay, Research Paper Topic: Gun regulation 1. Do you believe firearms should be banned all together including police and military? 2. Do you believe firearms should be banned from civilians only?
Fransisco Pizarro And His Merry Men Essay
, Research Paper Francisco Pizarro and his merry men Pizarro was born in 1476 and was assassinated in 1541. He was a Spanish explorer and conqueror of Peru noted for his courage, cruelty, and for his abilities as a military leader.
Norman Schwarzkopf Essay Research Paper Norman SchwarzkopfNorman
Norman Schwarzkopf Essay, Research Paper Norman Schwarzkopf Norman Schwarzkopf and I are alike in many ways. He and I both have family in Germany. His father lives in Germany and my great grandparents live in Germany. He served in Vietnam and so did my grandfather.
Crusades Essay Research Paper In the Middle
Crusades Essay, Research Paper In the Middle Ages, Christians considered Palestine the Holy Land because it was where Jesus had lived and taught. The Arabs had conquered Palestine in the 600s.
The Crusades Essay Research Paper Crusades Essay
The Crusades Essay, Research Paper Crusades Essay During the years 1095 to 1204, there was a series of campaigns led by the Christians to rid the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Holy Land was the area around Modern Day Jerusalem and Israel, which both Christians and Muslims considered to be rightfully theirs.
The Knight Essay Research Paper The Knight
The Knight Essay, Research Paper The Knight and the nun are two completely different people the knight is some one who wants people to think well of them so he dose things to make people thinks will of him where as the nun wants people to think well of her so she became a nun but in reality she is not living up to her vows.
The Vandals And The Decline Of Mediterranean
Navigation Essay, Research Paper 439 Gaiseric an Vandals conquer Carthage with a fleet they had been using for destructive raids on Sicily. Romans try to make agreements with Gaiseric, he broke, and 3
The Eoropean Renaissance Essay Research Paper The
The Eoropean Renaissance Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance, which began in Italy in 1300s, was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. There were many factors leading to the Renaissance. First was the development of Scholasticism. This was an attempt to mix Christian beliefs with non-Christian philosophy.
Brief Look At The Renaissance Essay Research
Paper Brief Look at the Renaissance The Renaissance, which began in Italy in 1300s, was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. The increase in trade
Voting Essay Research Paper Voting
Voting Essay, Research Paper Voting Everyone in my family who is old enough to vote, registers, and takes a privilege in voting, and knowing that their voice counts. That is why everyone
The Crusades Essay Research Paper Chase Mekalian
The Crusades Essay, Research Paper Chase Mekalian Mekalian 1 The Crusades were Europe’s version for “holy wars” during the Middle Ages. Over the period from 1095-1464, a series of military expeditions were fought to take back the Holy Land (Jerusalem) from the Seldjuk Turks. There were eight separate crusades, which took place during these years and created a huge impression on the world today.
The Crusades Essay Research Paper Crusades were
The Crusades Essay, Research Paper Crusades were Christian military expeditions organized mainly to recapture Palestine during the Middle Ages. Palestine, also called the Holy Land, was important to Christians because it was the region where Jesus Christ had lived. Palestine lay along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and Muslims had taken control of it from Christians.
Early Chrisitanity Essay Research Paper Cultural Values
Early Chrisitanity Essay, Research Paper Cultural Values Of Early Christianity Early Christianity was started with Jesus Christ’s idea on reforming the Jewish faith. He wanted to introduce a loving god. This signifies that an important value wanted to be loved and accepted by god and vice versa. Before this the only views of god was that he was vengeful and ruthless.
World War 2 Essay Research Paper Not
World War 2 Essay, Research Paper Not all of the thousands of women who participated in WWII were in the U.S. military. Women Salvation Army Soldiers were overseas providingceverything from
Ivanhoe Essay Research Paper In the book
Ivanhoe Essay, Research Paper In the book Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, a knight named Ivanhoe devotes his life to keeping to the codes of chivalry. The general setting is in England, where the way of life is medieval. Respect and loyalty are two of the character traits that Ivanhoe has. These are two very important traits because without them, what kind of person would he be?
Ivanhoe Essay Research Paper Character Analysis of
Ivanhoe Essay, Research Paper Character Analysis of Wilfred of Ivanhoe Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a heroic English prince, through out the story undergoes many mental and physical changes. His respect, bravery and loyalness lead him to strive for success. By following in his fathers footsteps, Ivanhoe tremendously matures through out the novel.
Ivanhoe Strengths Essay Research Paper The greatest
Ivanhoe Strengths Essay, Research Paper The greatest strengths of Ivanhoe were the themes of the novel. All the characters in Ivanhoe were in some way affected by the major theme of the hatred between the
Reducing The Military Essay Research Paper With
Reducing The Military Essay, Research Paper With the end of the ?Cold War? America?s armed forces are too large and expensive to maintain while in an era of peace. The roles of the military has
Defense Spending Essay Research Paper Defense SpendingDefense
Defense Spending Essay, Research Paper Defense Spending Defense spending is how much money the government uses to for our national defense. This year President Clinton?s budget includes 267 billion dollars for defense or around 15% of the budget. The budget only includes 18 billion dollars for foreign assistance, which accounts for about 1% of the budget.
Crusades Essay Research Paper Crusades and the
Crusades Essay, Research Paper Crusades and the Church At the time of the Crusades, the official church had become corrupt and politically motivated. It should be noted, too, that crusaders did not take vows to “go on crusade.” The very term crusade, in English or in any other language, is a much later invention.
The Crusades Essay Research Paper The CrusadesThe
The Crusades Essay, Research Paper The Crusades The Crusades were military expeditions planned and carried out by western European Christians. The crusades started around 1095. The purpose of these crusades was to overtake and gain control of the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Holy Land was Jerusalem and the Christians believed that gaining control of it was their fate.
The Crusades Essay Research Paper In the
The Crusades Essay, Research Paper In the beginning of the thirteenth century most people were Roman Catholic. The church was the center of life and it was very important to them to pilgrimage to the Holy Lands.