Potential Question #7- Reasons for the Crusades

Question 1

Why are the crusades called the crusades?

Answer 1

“Crus” in crusades meaning cross – Christians were fighting for the cross

Question 2

Reason for the Crusades-

Answer 2

Turks were Muslim & were taking over Christian lands

Specifically, control of Jerusalem was the goal of the Crusades

Question 3

Who got the ball rolling for the Crusades?

Answer 3

Byzantine Emperor asked the Pope for help & the Pope convinced European powers to help

Although the Byzantine Empire was Eastern-Orthodox (split from Catholicism; history of hate between the two), the Pope figured that a different denomination of Christianity was better than Muslim control.

Question 4

The 3 G’s (backbone of Crusades)-

Answer 4

God

Gold

Glory

Question 5

Pope Urban II – Council of Clermont-

Answer 5

The Pope gave an inspiring speech and got the rulers of Europe to pledge their armies to him – He was very powerful

Wanted to increase his power, have new lands for a growing population, and have Christian knights fight Muslims (rather than each other)

Chief reason for the First Crusade was to capture Jerusalem.