Question

Why did people join in fighting in the Crusades?
A) They thought it would help them to practice their fighting skills
B) They thought it would help them to get into heaven
C) They would get killed if they refuse to fight
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Crusades were military expeditions organized by western European Christians in response to years of Muslim expansionism, commencing in the late 11th century.

Complete answer:
Between 1096 until 1291, the Crusades were a series of religious and political conflicts fought for the sovereignty of the Holy Land. The First Crusade (1096–1102) was launched by Pope Urban II to defend the Christian Byzantine Empire, which was under siege by Muslim Seljuk Turks.

Crusade’s objectives -
After centuries of Muslim expansion, western European Christians created the Crusades. The objectives were to stop the rise of Islam, restore the sovereignty of the Holy Land in the eastern Mediterranean, conquer pagan countries, and recapture once Christian territory; many of their members saw it as a way to atone for their sins.

The various motives for the Crusades –
- To acquire land in another country. For a younger son who would not inherit his father's lands, this was enticing.
- Serfs, or peasants who belonged to their lord, participated in the Crusades because the Pope promised them freedom if they went.
- To gain wealth
- Crusades were promoted by kings because they got troublesome knights out of the nation.
- To follow the Pope's appeal to liberate the Holy City from infidels and assure pilgrim access. In 1140, St - Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, "O strong soldier, oh warriors of battle, you now have something for which to fight." It will be amazing if you win. You will gain a place in paradise if you die fighting for Jerusalem.
- To be pardoned for past transgressions. Anyone who took part was forgiven, according to the Pope. For knights who had slain a lot of people in battle, this was crucial.
- To travel the world, have an adventure, and demonstrate bravery.

Therefore, Option ‘B’ i.e, they thought it would help them to get into heaven is the correct answer because people joined in fighting cause they thought fighting in crusades would get them into heaven.

Note: It's worth noting that not everyone who went on a crusade during the Middle Ages returned wealthy. Many people lost everything, including their lives, as a result of the disaster. Simultaneously, few crusaders were driven primarily by one motive. Crusading united a sincerely held Christian faith with a genuine belief in the necessity of defeating Christ's adversaries and atoning for earthly sins.