As entered in the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Crusades were “expeditions undertaken, in fulfillment of a solemn vow, to deliver the Holy Places from Mohammedan tyranny” (Crusades, 2003, 1). It was a holy quest that would take more than four decades to achieve, until on June 7, 1099, Crusaders from every Christian country in Europe stood before the walls of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Christianity and Christian determination united to wage a military challenge against Islam forces in what Warren Hollister (1962) calls in his book Medieval Europe, “the most spectacular and self-conscious act of Western Christianity” (163). The origins of the word crusade may be linked to the cross that adorned the clothes of those who enlisted in the struggle. Made of cloth the crosses were a powerful symbol during the long years of struggle. The meaning of the word Crusade now equates to “all wars undertaken in pursuance of a vow, and directed against infidels” (Crusades, 2003, 1). This analysis will now examined the Crusades, including their cause, their unfolding, and their outcome. A conclusion will address the validity of the Crusades as orchestrated by Christian leaders including an assessment of their efficacy in achieving Christian goals.
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