What were the Crusades? What cased the First Crusade in 1095?
"Crusades, military expeditions, beginning in the late 11th century, that were organized by western European Christians in response to centuries of Muslim wars of expansion. Their objectives were to check the spread of Islam, to retake control of the Holy Land in the eastern Mediterranean, to conquer pagan areas, and to recapture formerly Christian territories; they were seen by many of their participants as a means of redemption and expiation for sins. Between 1095, when the First Crusade was launched, and 1291, when the Latin Christians were finally expelled from their kingdom in Syria, there were numerous expeditions to the Holy Land, to Spain, and even to the Baltic; the Crusades continued for several centuries after 1291. Crusading declined rapidly during the 16th century with the advent of the Protestant Reformation and the decline of papal authority." (Britannica Academic, 2020)
The librarians recommend the following databases and websites for additional research. You are required to use at least one additional source in your presentation, but are welcome to use more.
Reference sources that provide general background information and definitions. Includes the complete encyclopedia and links to related and reputable websites on a given subject.
Provides biographies of and information about influential individuals in modern and historical times.
Offers information on some of the most influential people, events, and topics in World History.
Offers sources on major controversies and events from the ancient to modern world.
Provides reference articles spanning 25 different subject areas.
Research guide from Yale University offering a wide range of recommended sources relating to the history of Christianity.