succes of first crusade

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

In 1095, Pope Urban II called the First Crusade at a council meeting at Clermont, France.
Thousands of peasants and knights from all over Europe responded to the Pope’s call and
travelled to Jerusalem to reclaim the holy city from the Muslims. In 1099 Jerusalem was
recaptured

Question 2

muslim disunity ku 1

Answer 2

Throughout the four years of the First Crusade, the different Muslim factions refused to unite and co-operate with one another, ultimately helping the Crusaders reach their goal. At Nicaea, the Crusaders benefitted from the fact that Kilij Arslan chose to settle a minor territorial dispute with a fellow Muslim group, the Danishmands rather then return to Nicaea to protect his city against the Crusaders. This was a significant error as it allowed the Crusaders to travel unchallenged to Nicaea and set up camp.

Question 3

muslim disunity a-1

Answer 3

This was a significant error as it allowed the Crusaders to travel unchallenged to Nicaea and set up camp. This shows that divisions among Islamic States was significant because Kilij Arslan’s decision to fight a fellow Muslim group instead of focusing on the Crusaders helped them capture the first city on the way to Jerusalem.

Question 4

muslim disunity ku2

Answer 4

Similarly, at Antioch, the Crusaders benefitted from many examples of Muslim disunity. Firstly, Bohemond was able to enter the city because of the help of a Muslim guard called Firouz. Firouz’ betrayal of his fellow Muslims allowed Bohemond to seize the city and led thousands of Muslims to their death. The Crusaders were also assisted by the fact that the main Muslim armies were unable to coordinate their attacks. Muslim leaders Ridwan of Aleppo, Duquaq of Damascus and Kerbogha of Mosul refused to give up their independence and fight as one organised army.

Question 5

muslim disunity a-2

Answer 5

This was important because it was much easier for the Crusaders to defeat the Muslim armies who attacked in three separate groups. Failure to cooperate and to remain united directly led to the loss of Antioch, a key base on the route to Jerusalem, aiding the crusaders significantly.

Question 6

muslim disunity evaluation

Answer 6

In evaluating, it is clear that divisions among Islamic States was the main factor for the success of the First Crusade. At Antioch, Kerbogha’s army fled the battlefield presenting the crusaders with victory, another example of Muslim disunity. Had the Muslims not fled then it is possible the Crusaders would have lost at Antioch.