The Crusades were a sequence of religious wars Launched by Christians aimed at restoring the Jerusalem and liberating the Eastern Christians from the Muslim rule. The crusades took place between 1095 and 1291 AD (Lawrence 52). Hundreds of Christians took vows to be crusaders and received plenary indulgence from the Pope. At the height of the crusades, the whole east was in terrible conflict, and both faiths were struggling to subdue each other (Lawrence 52).
They had a terrific sway on the middle age Europe since the church had dominance at that time. Besides, it kept the entire Europe in turmoil and many lives were lost. Nevertheless, it played a pivotal role in the western civilization. The Crusades led to remarkable change in Europe’s economic, political and the social structures. First, the political system was transformed from feud aristocracy to monarchy. Undoubtedly, for the first time, kings collected taxes and formed countries. Consequently, this helped in the civilization of the Western Europe (Jonathan).
Second, it helped a great deal in changing the Europe’s economic system. Because of increased demand for army transportation and supplies, trade grew in the region. Through the increased trade, the Europeans were able to get a variety of commodities and new manufacturing techniques from the East Asia. Therefore, the use of coins came into existence by 1200 AD and Italian merchants established Banks (Lawrence 53). Through this Trade, Western Europe’s civilization was boosted.
Finally yet important, the Europe’s social structure was changed. Prior to the crusades, the Western Europe’s social classes were structured. A rich Peasant had no chance of being a king since the change of social classes was difficult, but the crusades helped to bring change to the situation. Consequently, the middle class was formed, and this became the biggest class. Most peasants joined the middle class, and they were able live a better life and trade freely.
Works Cited
Lawrence, Veronica. "The Routledge Companion to the Crusades,” Reference
Reviews, 21.8 (2007): 52 – 53
Jonathan, Riley-Smith, (2005). The Crusades: A History (2nd ed.). Yale University
Press, 2005
