Question

In what ways did the crusades enlarge the world of the Christian Europeans, and in what ways did views remain the same?

Answer 1

The Crusades expanded Christian Europeans' horizons through new cultural contacts and goods but also entrenched religious intolerance and hostility, particularly against Jews and Muslims. While trade and political states grew, negative stereotypes developed and persisted over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

In what ways did the Crusades enlarge the world of the Christian Europeans, and in what ways did views remain the same? The Crusades brought Christian Europeans into closer contact with the peoples and cultures of Eurasia. This exposure led to an expansion of horizons for Europeans, as they encountered new lands, peoples, and goods such as silk and sugar, which they had previously never experienced. Trade routes expanded, political states in the Baltic and Iberian Peninsula grew, and individuals gained economic benefits from these new encounters.

However, not all outcomes were positive. The Crusades entrenched religious intolerance, particularly manifesting in the persecution of Jews and the fomenting of Muslim-Christian enmity. These conflicts, initially religious, increasingly served the dynastic and political ambitions of European rulers. The crusading ideal evolved over time as the Popes started calling for holy wars not just for religious purposes but also as a means to fight against political adversaries.

Despite the potential for cross-cultural exchange, deep-seated negative stereotypes and hostilities developed. During and after the Crusades, Jews faced widespread persecution and Christians cultivated the image of Muslims and Jewish people as enemies, which negatively impacted these communities for centuries to come. Thus, while the Crusades expanded the geographical and cultural understanding of Christian Europeans, they also solidified harmful views that persisted long afterwards.

Answer 2

The Crusades enlarged the world of Christian Europeans by introducing them to new lands, people, and goods. However, they also fueled intolerance and conflict between religious groups.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Crusades had both positive and negative impacts on the world of Christian Europeans. On one hand, the Crusades brought new lands, people, and goods to the attention of European traders and explorers. Catholic Crusaders returning from the Middle East brought back tales of new lands, new cultures, and new trade opportunities. They also brought back goods such as silk and sugar that Europeans had never before encountered.

On the other hand, the Crusades also fueled intolerance and hatred. The wide-scale persecution of Jews began during the Crusades, as Christians associated Jews with the infidel Muslims. This led to the expulsion and mistreatment of Jews in many European kingdoms. Additionally, the Crusades helped shape specific ideals that sanctioned armed conflict based on religious beliefs, which continued to have negative effects on the relationships between Christians, Muslims, and Jews in the medieval period and beyond.

Overall, the Crusades enlarged the world of Christian Europeans by exposing them to new lands, peoples, and goods. However, they also reinforced negative stereotypes and led to increased intolerance and conflict between religious groups.