1. 2. What changes occurred in Europe as a result of the Crusades ?
EQs:
1. What were the Crusades?
2. What changes occurred in Europe as a result of the Crusades ?

2. Q1: The Crusades
Crusades = Series of religious wars fought in Middle East between European Christians and Muslims in the late s
Had lasting impact on European politics and society
Main struggle was between Christians and a Muslim group the
Seljuk Turks

3. Q2: Events leading to First Crusade
Jerusalem and area around it was (and still is) sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims for various religious reasons
This area is also known as the Holy Land
Seljuk Turks were Muslims who conquered Jerusalem in 1071, which made Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land nearly impossible
Then in 1096, Seljuk Turks attacked the Byzantine Empire and the Emperor asked the church for help, Pope Urban II responded by sending armies of Crusaders to the Middle East

4. Q3: Economic Affects of Crusades
Merchants were willing to finance Crusades so they might gain wealth through Crusaders needing supplies and goods while using trade routes in traveling
European contact with cultures of Eastern Mediterranean grew during the Crusades
Crusaders brought back Asian and Middle Eastern goods, resulting in increased trade - goods included spices, furs, cloth, cane sugar, rice, and various fruits
Because of the Crusades, there was a greater interest in trade.

5. Q4: Crusades Affect Jews and Non-Christians
Jewish Population
Hostility and persecution towards Jewish people increased
On their way to Palestine, Crusaders murdered European Jews
Jews were excommunicated from England and France
Non-Christians
Viewed as part of the problem
Considered the enemy
Persecution increased and grew worse toward Non-Christians

6. Q5: Crusades Change Power Balance in Europe
Crusades add to the break down of the feudal system in Europe
Increased trade helped lead to growth of towns
Towns required strong leadership for good business and trade, Monarchs provided this stability, and as a result Monarchs begin to gain power
Nobility, (Lords), began to lose power as the common people began to become more loyal to the King