Question

What effect did the Crusades have on Jews in Europe?
A. They were persecuted
B. They faced segregation
C. They suffered from violence
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The Crusades were religious wars fought from 1095 to 1492 in order to recapture Jerusalem from Islamic rule. There was a clash between the Christians, Jews and the Muslims on the claim of the city of Jerusalem which is holy to all three religions.
Complete answer: The religious wars- the Crusades intensified the anti-semitism beliefs. During Crusades, time and again Jews saw bishops abandoning them, incidents of persecution grew and hence, the harmony of Christians and Jews was disrupted. The Jewish population was forced to convert to Christianity and if not, they were killed. Jews were banished from England in 1290, France in 1306, Switzerland and Germany in 1348 and 1394 respectively.
Christians felt that Jews were impure and it was time for them to separate themselves from Jews leading to the hatred between them on a racial basis. Thus, segregation was the consequence.
During and after the Crusades they were attacked and forced to leave the country and were restricted to certain professions. Mass persecution and violence made them flee to other countries like North Africa, Poland and Lithuania.
In the 12th century, the Jews were recognized as blood libels and were the main cause of Black Death.
In the Enlightenment period (15-16th century) and the French revolution, Jews did get some rights and enjoyed integration with others but it didn't last for long.
In the 19th century, the belief that Jews killed Jesus surfaced and soon became the reason for sending them to concentration camps. The outcome of this was tremendously felt through holocaust which killed 6 million Jews in Nazi Germany.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: The crusades left the hostility between Christians and Jews which can be seen till date. Presently, Israel is the Jewish majority state. And they are segregated, persecuted and face violence in the 21st century.