what were the economic/political reasons for the crusades?

Answer 1

possible economic motive- secure access to the silk trade and spice trade routes. After the muslim invasions of Egypt, Syria and Persia these routes were cut off and extreme taxes levied on any trade passing through there.

This can be supported by the fact that a massive muslim attack on the Kingdom of Jerusalem was done only after it gained access to the port of Aqaba- thus a direct connection by sea to India and China

However the main motive was self defence. Muslims were systematically invading Christan territories of Africa and Asia and one of the more unpleasant results was the practice of slave raids into Europe (even as far as Iceland). This practically anihilated the economy of southern Europe. Another unpleasant act was the practice of capturing and enslaving pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land- either by piracy (protected by the local muslim rulers) and even after they landed and were (supposedly) guaranteed safety by the local muslim rulers.

Answer 2

Medieval Europe is often considered a violent place, and not without reason. The entire structure of Medieval society is based on the premise of finding a way to create armies.

The medieval villiage was expected to provide the king with a single mounted knight, with all his armour and equipment, plus a suitable retinue of retainers. All the knights from all the villiages would form the core of any King's army.

The problem, of course, is that under the Medieval system only the eldest son would inherit all this land. The land was not allowed to be divided up because if it was, each separate piece would not provide enough support for any knights at all. Warhorses and medieval armour were extremely expensive. So all the land had to be kept together to make sure the knights could afford them.

This meant that there were a lot of second sons, who came from families where fighting is highly valued but who had no way of supporting themselves. Their only hope to gain a fief of land from the king so they could be proper knights in turn was to serve in the king's armies.

With all these people looking to prove their worth in battle, European kings had to fight wars periodically just to get by. And winning a war had enough potential gains that it was worth trying to conquer some territory off your neighbours.

Pope Urban II (like many before him) was troubled by all this violence, feeling that Christians should live in peace with one another. So he gave Christian Europe a new enemy: Islam. It was believed that this would unite Christians against a common enemy, and would also serve the "good" purpose of freeing all the Christians living under Muslim rule and recovering some of the territory that was lost to the Muslims 500 years before.

It's hard to say if this actually worked or not. Wars in Europe continued to happen, but it is certainly possible that more wars would have happened in Europe if the crusades had not occurred. It is likely that the Crusades did lessen some of the tension caused by having so many fighting men in need of an income.

Answer 3

None - they were motivated purely by religious ideals - the ensure Jerusalem and the holy places were secure for Christendom. They had a political side effect in that for a while Jerusalem etc became ruled by Crusader Kings.

Answer 4

The Christian Kings, Barons, Lords, Whatevers, Knights evoked religious passions to procure $$$.

1960:: Give a buck to kill a Commie for Christ!

Answer 5

kick non Christians butts