The People's Crusade Flashcards

Questions and Answers

When was the 1st Crusade and what was the outcome of it?

1099 and ended in the capture of Jerusalem.

What was a Crusade?

It was a combination of a holy war and a pilgrimage.

What happened during the 1st Crusade?

It was also known as the 'Popular Crusade' and involved ill-organized bands of peasants attacking Jewish communities and fighting Christians.

When was the First Crusade launched?

It was launched in 1095. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the term 'pilgrimage' appropriate for the Crusaders?

Crusaders were in fact - pilgrims carrying the traditional symbols of the pilgrims. Signup and view all the answers

What type of pilgrim were the Crusaders?

Armed participants in a holy war who were considered martyrs if they died. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'plenary indulgence'?

'Sinners' who confessed their sins avoided eternal damnation but faced limited punishment. Signup and view all the answers

Did people go on the Crusades because of spiritual considerations or material wealth?

This is debated, but some acted for religious reasons while others were in it for money. Signup and view all the answers

Who launched the 1st Crusade and why?

Pope Urban II on Nov. 27, 1095 at the 'Council of Clement'. Signup and view all the answers

What was the response to the Pope's call?

It was massive, with approximately 100,000 people participating, mostly humble individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with the 'People's Crusade'?

It was badly organized and set out in Spring of 1096, attacking Jewish communities. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Crusades attack Jewish communities?

They used the wealth taken from murdered Jews to finance the expedition. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on their way to Constantinople?

They fought incessantly with Christian inhabitants along their route. Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate fate of the People's Crusade?

In the autumn of 1096, the Turks annihilated those who survived the trip. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the 1st Crusaders defeated by the Turks?

Historians assign blame differently, including the Emperor trying to prevent their entry into Asia Minor. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The People's Crusade Overview

The 1st Crusade occurred in 1099 and resulted in the capture of Jerusalem, highlighting Europe's growing influence during the High Middle Ages.
A Crusade combined elements of a holy war and a pilgrimage, granting participants spiritual rewards associated with both.

The Popular Crusade

The 1st Crusade is also referred to as the "Popular Crusade," characterized by disorganized bands of peasants and a limited number of knights.
Before departing Europe for the Holy Land, Crusaders attacked and destroyed Jewish communities in the Rhine Valley.
They encountered conflict with Christian inhabitants along their route and were eventually defeated by Turks in Asia Minor.

Terminology and Pilgrimage

The term "Crusade" emerged about a century after the campaign began, which was initially termed a "pilgrimage."
Crusaders acted as pilgrims, possessing symbolic items like a staff and wallet, traveling to a designated location (Jerusalem), and receiving spiritual benefits.

Spiritual Dimension and Indulgences

Crusaders were considered armed pilgrims; those dying in the conflict were viewed as martyrs.
They received "plenary indulgences," a form of absolution, allowing them to bypass previous penances and purgatory time.

Motivations for Participation

Debate exists around whether participants were driven by spiritual beliefs or the promise of material gain; leaders often had differing motivations.
High costs associated with the campaigns suggest that religious motivation may have been more influential, supplemented by feudal obligations and familial ties.

Initiation of the Crusade

Pope Urban II launched the 1st Crusade on November 27, 1095, at the Council of Clement, motivated by a request from the Byzantine Emperor to combat Turkish forces.
The Pope aimed to restore the relationship between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, seeking healing for the Schism of 1054.

Response to the Pope's Call

The response was unprecedented, with estimates exceeding 100,000 participants, primarily common people rather than knights or aristocrats, forming the "People's Crusade."

Jewish Community Attacks

The People's Crusade was poorly organized and initiated violence against Jewish communities, extorting wealth to fund their expedition before pursuing their mission in the Holy Land.

Consequences of the Journey

On their way to Constantinople, where groups were meant to regroup, the Crusaders engaged in frequent conflicts with local Christian populations.

Fate of the People's Crusade

By autumn 1096, remnants of the People's Crusade were decimated by Turkish forces in Asia Minor, resulting in significant losses.

Reasons for Defeat

The reasons for the defeat vary according to historians, with Byzantine accounts suggesting the Emperor's attempts to prevent their entrance into Asia Minor were ignored by the Crusaders.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the People's Crusade with these flashcards. Learn about the significant events, outcomes, and definitions related to the Crusades, especially the first one that occurred in 1099. Perfect for students of medieval history.