The History and Effects of the Crusades on Medieval Europe

Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events

The Crusades took place between the 11th and 13th century. Also known as the Holy Wars, the Crusades were a series of religious expeditionary wars blessed by Pope Urban II and the Catholic Church. The main goal was to regain access to Jerusalem, a sacred city for Christianity. The Crusades caused several millions of lives to be lost during this time. They were very influential on the development of Medieval Europe.

The Crusades helped to undermine feudalism and the power of feudal aristocracy.

In order to participate in the crusades, thousands of barons and knights sold or mortgaged their estates and lands to raise money. As lots of them perished in Syria, these estates went back to the crown since there were no heirs. In addition, with departure of so many feudal lords for the Holy Land, there was a decline in private warfare in Europe which was very common during the Middle Ages.

As a result, the Crusades gave prominence to the kings and the people.

They also contributed to the increase in the wealth of the Church and the power of the Papacy. The Popes took a prominent part in the enterprises, thus, fostering their authority and influence and accustoming the people to look to them as leaders and spiritual guides. Increased religious enthusiasm brought with it the stream of gifts of piety, ranging from small contributions to gift of the lands in return for prayers. The crusaders returning from their expeditions in poor health and often sought refuge in the monasteries in the process endowing them with their worldly possessions.

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The Crusades created a constant demand for the transportation of men and supplies, encouraged ship-building, and extended the market for eastern wares in Europe. As a result, this gave a spur to commercial enterprise and the rise of the Italian trade cities, such as Venice and Genoa. From their exposure to Muslim technology, Europeans learned how to build better ships and use a compass. This led to geographical discovery with various travelers, such as Marco Polo, exploring the most remote countries of Asia. The voyages of Columbus, Vasco de Gama, and Magellan can be traced back to the increased interest in geographical matters awakened by the expeditions of the crusaders.

One of the most important effects of the Crusades was the liberalization of ideas. The East at the time of the Middle Ages surpassed the West in development and civilization. The crusaders enjoyed the advantages which come from travel in strange lands and among unfamiliar peoples. They went out from their castles or villages to see great cities, palaces, and foreign manners; they returned with finer tastes, broader ideas, and wider understanding of the world. Moreover, the gained scientific knowledge and learning of the Eastern culture by the crusaders through their expeditions greatly stimulated the Latin intellect and contributed to the revival of learning and the onset of the Renaissance.