The Crusades (1096-1291)
  • The religion of Islam grew very fast and the Muslims took control of the Middle East.
  • The Middle East is a place of many important religious sites (like the birthplace of Jesus).
  • The Christian Europeans decided to go on various "Crusades" - to free these holy sites from Muslim control.
  • The Crusades (there were several of them) didn't really work - the Christians never really took the land from the Muslims.
  • But Europeans and Muslims gained new ideas and products as they traded with each other and were exposed to each others culture.








Sample Regents Questions:


1) Which statement best describes the result of the Crusades?

1.  Europeans maintained a lasting control over much of the Middle East
2.  Islamic influence dominated Europe
3.  Europeans developed tolerance of Non-Christian religions
4.  trade between Europe and the Middle East was expanded





2) A major goal of the Christian Church during the Crusades (1096–1291) was to

1.  establish Christianity in western Europe
2.  capture the Holy Land from Islamic rulers
3.  unite warring Arab peoples
4.  strengthen English dominance in the Arab world





Answers:
1) - 4
2) - 2