The Crux of the Crusades

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Recommended: An essay on the impacts of the crusades

Lasting from 1096-1270, “The Crusades were a series of eight military campaigns… in which Europeans attempted to wrest control of the Holy Land from the Muslims who ruled the Middle East.” (“The Crusades.” Science and Its Times). Because the Holy Land was, and still is, of religious significance to a number of different groups, the Crusades heavily impacted a vast amount people during the Middle Ages. Most significantly, the Crusades increased and encouraged conflict between religious groups, caused the deaths of thousands of people, and added a moral aspect to, along with the justification of, war. (Roche). On a lesser, but more positive note, The Crusades also increased foreign trade and commerce – causing an unprecedented stimulation in intellectual development. In addition, The Crusades assisted in the change of the government structure by diminishing feudalism. (“Effects of the Crusades”). For the previously stated reasons, the Crusades were, by far, the most influential event of the Middle Ages.
As with all wars, the Crusades generated a large need for supplies. The Crusades “created a constant demand for the transportation of men and supplies, encouraged ship-building, and extended the market”. The products from large cities made their way throughout Europe and with that “silks, tapestries, precious stones, perfumes, spices, pearls, and ivory” became luxuries that the crusaders were enchanted with. (“Effects of the Crusades”). With increased commerce came increased knowledge.
They went out from their castles or villages to see great cities, marble palaces, superb dresses, and elegant manners; they returned with finer tastes, broader ideas, and wider sympathies… The knowledge of the science and learning of the East gained...

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...ential event of the Middle Ages.

Works Cited

“The Crusades.” Arts and Humanities Through the Eras. Ed. Edward I. Bleiberg, et al. Vol. 3: Medieval Europe 814-1450. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 331-335. Student Resources in Context. Web. Nov. 2013.
“Crusades.” Gale Student Resources in Context. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Student Resources in Context. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
“The Crusades.” Science and Its Times. Ed. Neil Schlager and Josh Lauer. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2001. Student Resources in Context. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
“Effects of the Crusades.” LordsandLadies.org. Lords and Ladies, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Hamilton, Franklin. “The Holy Land.” The Crusades. The United States of America: The Dial Press. 1966. 16-17. Print.
Roche, Jason. “Crusades in the Holy Land and Egypt (Consequences).” World at War: Understanding Conflict and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2013

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