The call for the Second Crusade

The call for the Second Crusade

1. Pope Eugenius III

   • called for a second crusade in Dec 1145 after Edessa had been captured by Zengi
     • reissued in march 1146 to ensure Papal leadership
     • little enthusiasm shown at first
     • fall of Edessa highlighted need for reinforcements in the East
   • Louis VII of France was considering an armed expedition to the Holy Land
     • not accepted as Eugenius didn't want to make it appear that a king could call for a crusade

2. Bernard of Clairvaux

   • preached in 1146 and sparked more enthusiasm
     • lead to the reissuing of the papal bull in march 1146
   • main reason was for personal salvation more than Edessa
     • for penance and salvation to the men of the west

3. Bernard's preaching

   • knew a call for a crusade had to reach a wide audience
     • sent letters to different parts of England, Northern Italy and Brittany
       • Conrad of Germany rejected call at first as he feared Hungary may seize their land
         • when Bernard asked Welf of Bavaria (Conrad's main rival) Conrad took the cross
     • preached in Northern France, Flanders and Germany