Failure Of Second Crusade Vs Success Of The First Flashcards
Muslim Near East – Disunity during the First Crusade (1090s)
Very Important
• Deep Sunni–Shi’a divide: Fatimids (Shia) and Seljuks (Sunni) were political and religious rivals.
• Key Muslim cities (Aleppo, Damascus, Jerusalem) acted independently and failed to coordinate against the Crusaders.
• No joint jihad effort — Jerusalem and Antioch fell with no unified Muslim defence.
Muslim Near East – Growing Unity during the Second Crusade (1140s)
Very Important
• Zengi (r. 1127–1146) united Mosul and Aleppo, using jihad rhetoric to justify military action — captured Edessa in 1144.
• His son Nureddin continued the cause, pushing for further unity.
• Damascus initially resisted (Zumurrud killed her son to stop surrender), but joined Nureddin after Unur’s death (1149).
Crusader Leadership – Success during the First Crusade (1096–1099)
Very Important
• Despite rivalries, leaders like Bohemond, Raymond, and Godfrey coordinated during key battles.
• Major victories: Dorylaeum (1097), Antioch (1098), and Jerusalem (1099).
• Religious unity and morale boosters (e.g. discovery of the Holy Lance) kept forces together.
Crusader Leadership – Failure during the Second Crusade (1147–1149)
Very Important
• Poor coordination between Conrad III and Louis VII — marched separately, suffered ambushes.
• Conrad’s army destroyed at Dorylaeum (1147) due to poor planning.
• Siege of Damascus (1148) failed due to leadership disputes and strategic blunders.
External Support – Presence during the First Crusade and Aftermath (1096–1129)
Important
• Italian city-states provided vital naval support:
– Genoa (e.g. Acre 1104), Pisa (Jaffa 1099), Venice (Tyre 1124).
• Byzantines aided the early stages (e.g. siege of Nicaea, 1097).
• Minor Crusades and armed pilgrimages brought reinforcements (e.g. Crusade of 1101, Norwegian Crusade).
External Support – Absence during the Second Crusade (1147–1149)
Important
• Byzantines offered little support; crusaders mistrusted Emperor Manuel I.
• No naval aid from Italian states; most focused on trade and local priorities.
• Many crusaders were diverted to Iberia (Lisbon, 1147) or Eastern Europe (Wendish Crusade).
