DBQ: Question: Were the Crusades caused primarily by religious devotion or by the desire for political and economic gain? Document Usage: Political (3, 6), Economic (3, 4, 6) Counter: Religious (1, 2, 5). The Middle East was the powerhouse of the world, and due to Rome collapsing Europe lost some of their power. Christians desired missionaries and more power, they noticed the wealth in Dar-Islam and wanted it for themselves. Muslims holding control of Jerusalem angered Christians. The Byzantine empire asked the Pope of the Western empire for help in taking control back. The Pope agreed and promised wealth and forgiven sins for those who fought in the war. Even though Christians completely showed their loyalty to Christ during the Crusades …show more content…
Places were sacked (robbed) and pricey belongings were taken from people. (Document 6) Men went to relieve their poverty and be free from all debts. (Document 3) People who were poor became rich, those who rented land could own their own land. (Document 4) Considering the context of this time, people were hungry for money and power, and if they were in lower social classes, they were hoping to advance in the social hierarchy. Since the writer from document 3 was anonymous, they had nothing to personally gain from sharing their perspective on the Crusades. Although, it did add to the motivation to crusade, as it promised people a rank up in the social system. Given that the speaker of document 4 was a French priest, it was only natural that they would use God to defend the people’s genuine motivations, which was economic gain. The Crusades were motivated by the wealth and high technology of the Middle East at the time, and Mesarites, a church official was able to demonstrate how people stole from others in document 6 because of this. Political gain also played a role in why the Crusades were …show more content…
Pope Urban II called upon all Christians into this war, calling those who don’t believe in God Heathens and providing reason to take control of Jerusalem again. Also assuring that the soldiers of this war will get an admission into Heaven. (Document 1) Christians, no matter the empire or region were being united by the Crusades through their love of Christ. (Document 2) French and German crusaders invaded a Jewish City, killing people for sanctification of the Lord. (Document 5) Jerusalem was the Holy city for Christians, which is why they wanted control over it again. Therefore, the Byzantine empire asked the Pope to call upon his people into war. Painting people as “Heathens” also fueling their desire to conquer Jerusalem, showing how unholy people don’t deserve to have control over the Holy Site. Many Christian empires already considered non-Christians as barbarians, so this added fuel to the fire. This brought community among Christians and stopped at-home wars, turning their focus onto Muslims and Jews. The recalling of the event from a Jewish scholar also solidified this. On the way to Jerusalem, they murdered thousands of Jewish people in the name of the