2.3.5

Reasons for the Crusades

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Reasons for the Crusades

There was not one single reason for the Crusades. Many different factors fed into an individual’s decision to fight in the Holy Land. These motives included:

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Religion

  • Some soldiers were motivated by the Pope’s call to arms.
  • They wanted to make sure pilgrims could freely go to Jerusalem and visit Jesus Christ’s tomb.
  • Crusaders also believed that fighting in the Crusades would redeem them of past sins.
  • Crusaders believed this would bring them salvation and that they would go to Heaven.
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Adventurism

  • Some soldiers wanted to leave their home land and see new and exciting places.
  • They wanted to show their courage and valour by fighting in the Crusades.
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Gaining freedom

  • In the medieval era peasants (called Serfs) were owned by their lord.
  • These serfs were promised their freedom in return for fighting in the Crusades.
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Gaining land and wealth

  • Some believed that the Crusades were an opportunity to gain wealth and land.
  • Soldiers hoped they would gain loot (treasures) from Muslims they massacred.
  • This was particularly appealing to sons who would not inherit possessions and lands from their father.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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