2006-10-03 21:10:42 · 11 answers · asked by Jack R 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
A combination of factors, firstly you have a political and theological desire within Europe, a ground swell of support that subsequent crusades only enjoyed in part. The theological desire should not be underestimated, the promise of eternity in heaven for those who died as martyrs, absolution for those who survived, and a ruling class steeped in a martial tradition which had suddenly been licensed by the Pope. Given that some (Baldwin and Godfrey in particular) had previous quarrels with the Church to settle as well, Crusading was a very popular choice.
So, you have a very martial society who in most cases have sold much of their lands to go, in short, they'd already burned a lot of their bridges in order to fund the expidition and didn't have much to go back to if it failed. The later Crusaders (eg Richard I & Phillipe Augustus) went off with one eye looking over their shoulders at events back home and that caused great divisions within the Crusades.
Additionally, and almost as importantly, as has been mentioned in another reply, their arrival was an unexpected addition to the region. Ultimately, the Crusaders forced vying factions within the Muslin world to unite, but at the time the lack of a cohesive unified opposition made their task much easier indeed.
2006-10-04 01:10:34 · answer #1 · answered by Galstaf 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Was it really? It was actually a trade war to consolidate the trade routes. The Jew, Muslim & Christian all lived in harmony. It was similar to Bush & Blair's search for Weapons of Mass Destruction (remember them?) just an excuse. The Crusades were the catalyst for todays problems but have been romantiscised with stories of Knight Templar and heroic Crusaders.
2006-10-03 21:21:13 · answer #2 · answered by Tallboy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who was THERE and tell us today that it was a "success"?
Nobody. If it is a written history, the person who wrote then was part of the crusade. There were no nuetral powers, or journalists writing facts.
2006-10-03 21:27:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because the crusaders said it was!
2006-10-03 21:12:37 · answer #4 · answered by Rob S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Couldn't have been that successful - they had to have 2 or 3 more (depends which books you read!)..
2006-10-03 21:22:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the christian army had 2 big advantages.1-a great military strategist 2-superior bows.their archers could stand outside the range of the saracen bows and shoot them down
2006-10-03 21:22:46 · answer #6 · answered by lizardhead 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Moslems was weak. When they became strong enough they kick them out.
2006-10-03 21:17:28 · answer #7 · answered by aahamed24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beginner's luck
2006-10-03 21:14:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what book you read, from what Country.
Also depends on how blinkered your knowledge seeking is.
Yep... the worlds been at peace ever since the crusades finished !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-03 21:19:58 · answer #9 · answered by Jon H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it was whats changed from then till now
2006-10-03 21:20:16 · answer #10 · answered by Eric C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋