Section 2 Crusades- long series of wars between Christians and Muslims in Southwest Asia. They were fighting over Palestine. Palestine was called the Holy Land. Causes of the Crusades Turkish Muslims captured Palestine The Holy Land wasn’t safe for Christians anymore Turks began to raid the Byzantine Empire.

Cont… The Byzantine emperor asked Pope Urban II of the Roman Catholic church for help. Help arrived and fighting began against the Turks. They sewed crosses on their clothes to show they were fighting for God. The word crusade means “marked with a cross.”

First Crusades 1096- 5,000 Crusaders left Europe for the Holy Land. It took one month for the Crusaders take back Jerusalem. Four kingdoms were set up in the Holy Land. Lord and vassal systems were set up like they knew at home.

Cont.. Peasant crusaders attacked Jews in Germany. They believed they were the cause of Jesus’ death. Before they reached the Holy Land most of these peasants were killed. The nobles and knights did much better and conquered Jerusalem. The first crusade was a win!

Second Crusade 1147-Muslim and French kings set out to retake land from Muslims. Second Crusade was a terrible failure. Poor planning and heavy losses on the journey to the Holy was the reason. Ashamed, crusaders came back to Europe in less than a year.

Third Crusade Began after Muslims retook Jerusalem in 1189. The rulers of France, England and the Holy Roman Empire led their armies to the Holy Land to fight for Jerusalem. Problems arose… German king died. French king left. Only King Richard I of England stayed in the Holy Land.

Cont… King Richard’s main opponent was Saladin. Brilliant leader, and kind to his enemies. Richard had a few wins but ultimately returned home with Jerusalem in Muslim hands.

4th Crusade 1201- French knights arrived in Venice to begin a 4th crusade. Knights didn’t have the money to pay for the voyage. For payment the Venetians asked the knights to conquer Zara, a rival trade city. The city that had been threatened by Muslims before the crusades had been taken over by Christians.

End of the Crusades 1291- Muslims took back all the Holy Land and the Crusades were over. Why did they fail? Huge distances to travel Not prepared to fight in a desert climate Christians were outnumbered Christians fought among themselves a poor planning.

Cont…. Crusades ended as they begun….with Holy Land under Muslim Control.

Causes Turks take control of the Holy Land in 1071 Turks threaten Constantinople in the 1090’s Byzantine emperor ask pope for help.

Effects Trade between Europe and Asia increases Kings become more powerful Tension between Christians, Jews and Muslims grows.