Why did people participate in the Second Crusade? Flashcards
What social pressure arose after the fall of Edessa?
There was considerable social pressure on Western knights to avenge the new ‘wrongs’ done to Christians in the East.
What was the reaction in the West to the fall of Edessa in December 1144?
The news horrified the West and revived interest in crusading after a period of quiet.
What did the papal bull Quantum praedecessores call for?
It called for the Second Crusade, referencing the fall of Edessa and urging Christians to reclaim lost territory and defend the Eastern Church.
What did Eugenius III imply about the knights of Europe in Quantum praedecessores?
He suggested they would be lesser men than their fathers if they allowed the successes of the First Crusade to be lost.
When was Quantum praedecessores issued and to whom?
It was issued on 1 December 1145, addressed to Louis VII.
What spiritual incentives did Eugenius III mention in Quantum praedecessores?
He mentioned that Christians would obtain remission of sins and that the possessions of crusaders would be protected by the Church.
Who was asked to preach the crusade due to poor response?
Eugenius III asked Bernard of Clairvaux to preach the crusade.
What was Bernard of Clairvaux’s message during his tour?
He emphasized personal salvation and the opportunity presented to the current generation to seize a heaven-sent chance.
What was the nature of crusading participation for kings like Louis VII and Conrad III?
Crusading was theoretically voluntary, but the participation of kings pressured their barons and knights to join.
What motivated Louis VII to join the crusade?
He sought to secure penance and repair relations with the papacy, likely exploiting the fall of Edessa to advance existing plans.
When did Louis VII and his nobles ‘take the cross’?
On Easter Sunday, 31 March 1146, at Vezelay.
What was Conrad III’s initial stance on participating in the crusade?
He was initially reluctant due to turmoil within his lands.
What role did Bernard of Clairvaux play in Conrad III’s decision to crusade?
He resolved crises that allowed Conrad to take the cross.
What was Conrad III’s motivation for participating in the crusade?
He aimed to assert the role of the Holy Roman Emperor as the defender of Christendom.
What preparations did Conrad III make for the crusade?
He laid careful plans through the spring of 1147, sealed at an assembly at Aachen in March 1147.