The Crusades

A range of people from all walks of life - from kings to young peasants - decided to join the Crusades.  Although the primary motivation for most people who joined the Crusades was to fight for Christianity, many people also chose to go to the Holy Land for adventure, to escape from the miserable life of a peasant, or simply to get rich.

 

During this deeply religious time, most Christians believed that taking part in the Crusades would be a sure way of getting into Heaven when they died.  Many teenage peasants who took part in the Crusades were encouraged by their local priest to join the fight.  They believed that their youth and lack of 'sin' would make them more successful than older Crusaders.

 

In spite of some battles that were won, the Crusades were mostly a failure.  The Holy Lands were not regained by the Christians and many Crusaders never returned home at all.  Some were killed in the fight for the Holy Land. Others died of disease or injuries.  And others were sold as slaves, never to see their homes and families again.

 

The Crusades did, however, benefit Europe and its people in many ways.  Trade with eastern regions was increased.  With the growth in trade came the need for more and further excursions to unknown lands.  This, in turn, brought about new ideas, greater knowledge and more inventions.  People's lives in general improved; they were healthier and better educated.  And, with the end of feudalism, they became more independent.