Why was there a First Crusade?

Why was there a First Crusade?

1. The first crusade was launched in 1095 by Pope Urban after Alexius Comneus appealed for a crusade at the Council of Piacenza. Pope Urban was keen on improving the East and West relations since the start of his pontification. Pope urban then issued Papal Bull.

2. Position of Muslim Enemies

   • The Muslims disunity meant they were at their weakest point. Having been divided by religion (Sunnite and Shi'ite), divided by land (Cairo and Bhagdad), divided by leaders (Fatimid Dynasty and Abbasides Dynasty). This was the appropriate time to fight because they were at their weakest.

3. Religious Motives

   • The Pope had motives such as healing the schism of 1054 where Christianity was split into two branches; Roman and Catholic Christians.
     • The special position of Jerusalem was also a motivation for people in the West. The people in the West suffered from starvation and disease and had religion as the focal point of their lives. Jerusalem was a chance to cleanse themselves of sin. With the Primogeiture system, most children who weren't the eldest could not inherit land to make a living, in this respect crusade was a chance to gain land as Pope Urban states at Clermont, "rescue land from the dreadful race and rule over it".
       • The idea of Jerusalem being held by the infidels sparked Xenophobia. The Pope wanted to re-direct the violence of the West and this was a good way of exporting violence.

4. Pope Urban's objectives

   • Pope Urban wanted to reform the church in Europe by using the Abby of Cluny Movement.
   • Investiture Controvesy - the Holy Roman Emperor appointed church officials and Pope's but the Pope wanted this authority to gain power.