Nathan+Monty+Montag

1. Introduction--Describe a general cause or causes of the conflict.
The Crusades were a big misunderstanding. This led to a series of unnecessary events. These could have been avoided (but werent). Now there is still turmoil between these religions. Knowledge of the facts could lead to a better understanding. Ill help to lead yoou to that. Ill avoid bias as much as possible.

= 2. Background--Describe who, what when and where. = These Crusades were started by many people. Too many to name them all. Here are some of the Key leaders in this conflict. First there was King Richard. He was an English king. Obviously Christian and by ALL opinions power hungry. Some may back up his motives some may not. On the Muslim side of the map is Sal as-Din. Known to Europians as Saladin. Saladin (as ill call him because it's easier) did respect King Richard as King Richard respected him. UNfortunatly this respect didnt stop anything. From a neutral but knowledgable stand point it was juest infadel against infadel. These powerhouse religions started the most known was of all time. From a third but not so neutral party is the jews. The Jews were slaughtered by tens of thousands by King RIchard. They teamed up with the Muslims (not surprisingly). These are the origins. Look below for reasoning.

= **3. Causal Factors-Describe three factors that led to The Crusades.** = I think the main problem dates back to the Romans. They originally owned/ruled The Holy Land. After the Muslims took control of the Holy Lands King Richard assumed that they stole it from them. Ironically Christians took The Holy Lands from the Jews. But anyway, King Richard didnt respond well to that. He decided to intimidate, show off his power and convert or kill anyone who wasnt Christian. That did not sound good to Jews and Muslims alike. Thus, the Crusades began.

Another theory, is that King Richard was intimidated himself about the sheer numbers of the Muslims. It was only a matter of time til they most West toward the homeland. "I need to cut them down to size", he thought. So he followed up his plan and attacked.

The Mongols were advancing West from Asia Minor. They killed many Muslims and I would have thought some Jews too. Once word of this reached King Richard, he didnt want to be next. He needed an outpost, a way to stay updated. Jerusalem was the perfect outpost. He decided to take it and avoid being next.

Finally, but probably one of my better thoeries is pride. Christianity was the dominant religion, in the eyes of King Richard. He wouldnt put up with The petty Muslims to own the religious capital of the world. So he decided to take his armies and other fellow Christian

= 4. Most Important Factor--Explain how one factor was more important than the others. =

= 5. Impacts--Explain how one religious group and an individual within that group were impacted by The Crusades. =

= = =6. Conclusion--Explain how The Crusades could have been avoided.=