User talk:Jake2270

The Crusades were a turbulent time Europe. When you have a war that lasts for 205 years, there are bound to be difficulties and challenges. Yet at the same time, there will be many blessings and benefits. When the Pope formally and subtly announced the start of the first crusade at mass, no one had any idea that such a long, drawn out war would be the end result.

During this wild period of time, there were 9 total crusades, which resulted in 200,000 men dying. The main reason for these crusades was to recapture Jerusalem. The a few more reasons for the crusades were: 1.	A pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2.	An attempt to recapture the Holy Land sites 3.	To strike back for the dishonor done to Christ’s name (the capturing of Jerusalem) 4.	To receive a receipt for their sins 5.	The possibility of land There were three countries involved in the European side of the story, which consist of the English, the main character, German, and French armed forces. Out of these countries, England sent the most people and had the fewest losses.

Europe gained much wealth during these times through the spoils of war. They had to spend massive amounts of resources to fuel the war. There were many accomplishments to go with the Crusades, which includes spreading Christ’s name, opening up trade routes to china, and exploring the Middle East. After the prosperity was over, England, due to their level of commitment, descended into a weak stage of about 50 years. Yet Europe, as a whole, actually benefited from all of the Crusades.

There are always challenges though. The Crusaders far from home, and they had no public support. The opposition on the other hand, had the public and the territory on their side. The crusaders were used to fighting in lush, green, woodlands. Here all they saw was sand! Another reason is Saladin. He was the Egyptian Sultan, who was like an Egyptian leader (except for the Pharaoh). He was an expert tactician, and he was very popular because of his generosity. When he died, the Egyptian leaders opened up his treasury, and didn’t have enough money for a funeral; he had given it all away! The worst challenge of all is Saladin treated his POWs (prisoners of war) better than his enemies treated their own men. When he captured a crusader, he kept him for 30 years. When the war was over, the Crusader stated, “I wish almost not to go back, I was treated like a king here! Yet in my own land, I am nothing but a noble knight.”

So both sides suffered the many brutalities of war, and, as always, there were the many ups and downs. The crusaders had there own problems, while the Muslims had their fair share of calamities. All of the benefits, despite the military losses, out weigh the negatives, so the Crusades were worth the high price. Yet the Crusaders were fighting for a just cause, and though they made some bad mistakes, they gave it their all till the end.