Reasons for participating on the Secind Crusade

KING OF FRANCE AND GERMNY TOOK THE CROSS- pressured knights and barons.

LOUIS VII- Anxious to pilgramiage to furfill dead brothers oath and after being excommunicated in 1141 he would be pardoned if he went. Secure penance with the papacy and improve their relations. TOOK CROSS 31st MARCH 11496

CONRAD III- Turmoil in his own lands meant he was at first reluctant to go. Bernard of Clairvaux resolved this issue. Conrad had a desire to assert traditinal roles to the Holy Roman Empire. As defender of Christendom EUGENIUS III wanted Conrad to go as he was EXPERIENCES AND A GOOD LEADER.

WESTERN KNIGHTS believed they had to avenge the wrongs done by muslims.

EDESSA CAPTURED BY ZENGI DECEMBER 1144- 24th.

PAPAL BULL-implored Christians to reclaim LOST LAND and DEFEND EASTERN CHURCH

EUGENIUS III hinted the Knights would be LESSER MEN THAN THEIR FATHERS if they allowed the SUCCESSES OF THE FIRST CRUSADE TO BE LOST

1145 EUGENIUS III issued crusading bull. He called upon nobles to 'defend like good sons fight for the church and obtain remission of sins and enhance the dignity of Christndom. The bull grated crusaders spiritual benefits and possessions were protected

BERNARD OF CAIRVAUX- reissued the bull in MARCH 1146 - good charisma, envared on 7 month tour including rhineland and low countries. Emphasized on personal salvation and this 'heaven sent ' chance. thousands responded including CONRAD III