The Crusades were a series of warsbetween Christians and Muslimsduring the Middle Ages.

Pope Urban II had called for aCrusade in 1095 A.D. He wantedWestern European Christiansto control the Holy Land.

Between 1095 and 1291 A.D., a series of wars were fought betweenChristians and Muslims to controlthe Holy Land.

Ultimately, Christians lost controlof the Holy Land.

Historians consider the Crusadesa “successful failure” for theWestern Europeans.

Christians permanently lost controlof the Holy Land.

However, Western Europeans gainedimportant ideas and objects fromthe very advanced Islamic societies of the Middle East.

Crusaders learned about algebraand Arabic numerals.

Crusaders learned about biology,human anatomy, and medicine.

Crusaders discovered new spicesand perfumes.

Trade and cultural diffusion increased.

Feudalism began to decline asthe Crusades helped WesternEuropean kings gain more power.

Yes, the Crusades had changedWestern Europe and would helptransform the region.

But while many changes were positive,persecution of religious minorities andreligious intolerance increased.