Why Did The Crusaders Succeed (First Crusade)

Why did the Crusaders Succeed?

-These are notes are made myself condensing some important parts on the different reasons why the crusaders succeeded. Enjoy.

Preparations and the Princes

The wave after the people's crusade was led by senior noblemen, and it was often called the ‘Princes Crusade’. From charters made, arranged by knights and lords, it is shown that many higher class noblemen mortgaged or sold their lands to buy armour, weapons, horses and other equipment for themselves and the soldiers that they enrolled. This helped greatly in arming most of the crusade army and giving the soldiers the right resources to start their journey. Next, there has been large speculation over the debate whether or not crusaders were often younger sons, who had not inherited their father's land. However from extensive research and evidence from the crusades charters, it was proven that many first born sons who took part. This would have added to the success of the crusaders mission as they would have had more wealth, resources and power the further advance to the victory of the Christians. However this would have meant that a family might have taken on huge debts to fund even one knight and his servants to travel to Jerusalem and also back. Causing a major decrease in the economy and meaning that many crusaders had lost all their financial assets. Historians now accept that there was no one motive for going on the crusades. However at this point in time, religion played a big part in everyday life, this meant that deep seated religious commitment rather than greed was a more common reason for taking the cross. Due to such a large percentage being devoted to God, this would have been a large factor to the cause of the crusaders success, as many were desperate for hope and a better life, causing many more civilians to join the crusade and fight for the cause of the cross. This is also shows material reasons for going as well, given the hardships of life due to several years of drought and poor harvests in the 1090’s. This was a leading element for the widespread outbreak of deadly disease killing thousands. so the prospect of an adventurous journey in the east, promised salvation and chances of becoming richer meant that more people were going to take the risk, meaning a larger force fighting for the side of the Christians. It was also many high ranked nobles and princes who joined forces with the crusades movement, this played a large part in the crusades success as they provided a lot of manpower,money, skill and connections for the crusade to move forward. An example of this would be count Robert II of Flanders, whose family had a strong friendship with Emperor Alexios. the following year he sent 500 knights to fight, and after his father's death he felt a real importance in helping Alexios and the christians. Furthermore another influential supporter would be Count Raymond of Toulouse, who…