Final answer:
Europeans responded to Muslim entry into Europe with a range of reactions from tolerance to resistance, highlighted by the military defeats of Muslims at the Battle of Tours and during the Reconquista. While there were periods of peaceful coexistence, the prevailing response was characterized by efforts to reclaim territories viewed as Christian lands, with changing attitudes continuing into modern times with issues such as refugee crises.
Step-by-step explanation:
The response of Europeans to the Muslim entry into Europe varied over time and depending on the context. For example, during the initial Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711, Muslims established a presence that would last until 1492. Throughout this period, characterized by both the Umay-yad establishment in Spain and later the Reconquista, Europeans displayed a range of reactions from tolerance to warfare. When Muslims controlled much of Spain, there was often a level of coexistence, as seen with communities like the Mozarabs and the Mudejares. However, the spirit of the Crusades and the Reconquista exemplified the prevalent desire among Europeans to reclaim territories and push back the influence of Islam. Particularly noted in history is the Battle of Tours in 732 where Charles Martel's forces defeated the Muslim army, preventing further Islamic expansion into mainland Europe. The Islamic rule in Spain fostered a vibrant cultural and economic life, which included tolerance to an extent not common in other parts of Europe during the time. However, by the end of the Reconquista, policies became stricter, and remaining Muslims faced increased restrictions and segregation.
Crusades and subsequent conflicts in other regions, such as the Levant, further illustrate the European response to Muslim expansion. While there were periods of coexistence and cultural exchange, the overarching theme was one of military opposition and efforts to reclaim or defend territories considered part of Christendom. Additionally, responses to later Muslim presence in Europe, such as refugee crises in the modern era, involve complex and varied attitudes regarding cultural integration and security concerns.