Long term:

Short term:

1. Stimulated Trade

a. Towns grew on size and importance
b. New products plus greater mobility

a. While kings and their knights were away fighting their territory was confiscated or conquered by a few left behind consolidating the territory under a few kings instead of many.

a. Serfs gained their freedom on the crusades and while their masters were away or killed moved into the manor or to the new towns
b. New town laws changed the base of power from the nobles to the leaders of the town

1. to unite European Christians in a common cause
2. to make the kings and noble vassals under his spiritual leadership
3. to subject the Eastern orthodox churches to Rome
4. to return the Holy Lands to Christian control

1. Religious convictions--they viewed the Holy Lands as rightfully theirs, and, in a Holy War, dying for the cause led to salvation.
2. The kings and nobles saw the opportunity for glory at home and the power of landholdings in the Middle East.
3. Merchants saw a chance for quick gain and a chance for trade expansion.
4. The lower classes could:

(a) have their taxes canceled or paid by the church;
(b) avoid jail by going;
(c) plunder for personal gain.

1. There was never a supreme commander power struggles between kings, knights, and nobles led to disunity.
2. Poor tactics and strategy and the inability to adapt to military methods suitable from the region and the enemy.
3. Lack of geographical knowledge.
4. Refusal to swear allegiance to Byzantine emperor and receive his support and information.
5. Difficulties in maintaining supplies led to "barbarian' acts by civilized Europeans.
6. They established a castle defense only along the coast and never incorporated the allegiance of the local people.

Age of Faith
Results of Crusades