Context and Causes For The First Crusade.
by Lillian Bonar
Essay: Context and Causes For The First Crusade.
Pages: 11
Rating: 3 stars
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The First Crusade began in an effort to retrieve Christian territory that was conquered by Muslims. The aim of the
crusaders was to recapture the holy city of Jerusalem in the name of God. The Crusades were catapulted by a
speech delivered from Pope Urban II in the city of Clermont. The passionate speech was centered on the Muslims,
whose acts of savagery had sent all of Western Europe into a frenzy. The Byzantine emperor Alexius Commenous
requested the Pope for aid to cease the Turks from invading. This led to an outcry as thousands of men, women,
and children answered the pope’s message. Urban began to arrange his plan, and started a campaign asking
others to preach in his favor. Though the ultimate outcome of the crusade was successful, many mistakes were
made throughout the course of the war.
The amount of enthusiasm that followed was overwhelming. However, most of this support came from peasants
whom were neither skilled nor trained for combat. When preaching, Urban had hoped listening knights would be
available for battle. While knights proved to be the most glorious of fighters, they came at a price. Knights
developed their true ability to fight as a mounted warrior. Their “warhorses” were extremely expensive and
required an ample amount of care. While on tour, Urban tried to prevent certain types of people from joining the
effort, but it proved to be difficult. There were more peasants than there were knights. Urban had the support and
promises of two influential French leaders, Adhemar and Raymond. Urban also recruited many other famous
leaders.
The outcome of peasants only led to more trouble. Peter the Hermit can be viewed as a figurehead of the people’s
crusade. Peter can be described as a charismatic man who delive...