The Crusades were a series of wars between Christians and Muslims during the Middle Ages.

Pope Urban II had called for a Crusade in 1095 A.D. He wanted Western European Christians to control the Holy Land.

Between 1095 and 1291 A.D., a series of wars were fought between Christians and Muslims to control the Holy Land.

Ultimately, Christians lost control of the Holy Land.

Historians consider the Crusades a “successful failure” for the Western Europeans.

Christians permanently lost control of the Holy Land.

However, Western Europeans gained important ideas and objects from the very advanced Islamic societies of the Middle East.

Crusaders learned about algebra and Arabic numerals.

Crusaders learned about biology, human anatomy, and medicine.

Crusaders discovered new spices and perfumes.

Trade and cultural diffusion increased.

Feudalism began to decline as the Crusades helped Western European kings gain more power.

Yes, the Crusades had changed Western Europe and would help transform the region.

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