The Early Crusades

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the first and third Crusades in terms of their success and failure and ultimately their impact on Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East. The author describes the first Crusade and the eventual internal conflicts among the Christians that allowed Muslims to rise up against the Europeans. Leaders on both sides are described, especially Saladin. The paper gives historic details of various battles, with particular emphasis on the fight for control of Jerusalem. The paper includes a discussion of anti-Western attitudes by Muslims that may have developed as a result of the Crusades.

From the Paper:

" Generally speaking, the First Crusade was ignited in 1095 by predominantly French Christians whose main intention was to seize the sacred city of Jerusalem from Muslim control. This First Crusade was considered as a magnificent success in 1099, due to the crusaders conquering Jerusalem and maintaining control of the Holy Land for seventy-eight years despite much Muslim restlessness and bitter resentment. Internal conflicts among these crusaders then began to increase as a result of more nations joining in their actions against the Muslims. Some of these conflicts include arguments on leadership, political differences and war strategies."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brehier, Louis. "Crusades." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. IV. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 2006. Internet. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent. org/cathen/04543c.htm.
• "Crusades." Columbia Encyclopedia. Internet. 2005. Retrieved from http://www. bartleby.com/65/cr/Crusades.html.
• Dajani-Shakeel, Hadia. "War: A Muslim Perspective." ChristianityToday.com. Internet. 2001. Retrieved from http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter /2001/oct05.html.
• Madden, Thomas F. "The Real History of the Crusades." Crisis: Politics, Culture & the Church. Internet. April 2, 2002. Retrieved from http://www.crisismagazine.com/ april2002/cover.htm.
• Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization. Pennsylvania State University Press, 2006.

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