Final answer:
The Crusades achieved initial success with the First Crusade capturing Jerusalem, but later campaigns failed to maintain control and resulted in lasting hostility between Christians and Muslims. The movement had significant geographical, societal, and international impacts that have shaped the present day.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epic saga of the Crusades, a series of religiously motivated military expeditions, is a tale encompassing both triumph and tragedy. The initial success of these expeditions, particularly the First Crusade, was marked by the capture of Jerusalem and the establishment of Crusader States. Yet, subsequent campaigns, such as the later crusades and the ill-fated Fourth Crusade, tell a story of failures, including the inability to maintain control over the Holy Land and internal conflicts that plagued the Christian states.
Key figures such as Pope Urban II spearheaded the call to arms, citing spiritual rewards and penance for sins. The successes can be seen through the creation of the Latin Empire and the expansion of the European influence overseas. However, the long-term consequences unveiled themselves as enduring hostility between Christians and Muslims, betrayals, and the massacre of innocents tarnishing the very ideals the crusades purported to uphold.
Assessing whether the crusades were more successful or a failure involves weighing these complex outcomes against the original goals set by the crusaders. While the First Crusade achieved its objective, subsequent efforts dwindled, and ultimately, the crusades ended with the Muslims regaining control, casting a long shadow on Christian and Muslim interactions to this day. The effects on geography, society, and international relations were profound, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the modern world.