Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The troubled leadership of the Third Crusade: the significance of the…
Full specification wording
Leadership of the crusades, 1095–1192: The troubled leadership of the Third Crusade: the significance of the death of Frederick Barbarossa; the rivalries of Richard I and Philip II; Richard’s decision to attack Sicily and Cyprus; Philip’s return to France. Richard’s leadership at Acre and Jaffa and reasons for his decision not to attack Jerusalem.
The Third Crusade (1189–1192) was hampered by troubled leadership.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Third Crusade (1189–1192) was hampered by troubled leadership. Frederick Barbarossa's death in 1190 led to the disintegration of much of his German army, reducing the crusade's strength. Richard I and Philip II had a tense rivalry, exacerbated by disputes over Sicily and Cyprus. Richard's decision to attack Sicily and Cyprus secured supplies and a base but delayed the main objective and strained relations with Philip. Philip returned to France in 1191, leaving Richard to lead alone. Richard's leadership at Acre and Jaffa demonstrated military skill, but his decision not to attack Jerusalem was influenced by logistical problems and the need to secure a sustainable peace. The crusade ended with a truce, not the recapture of Jerusalem.
What earns the marks
- Explains the significance of Frederick Barbarossa's death, including the loss of a large contingent and the impact on the crusade's overall strength.
- Analyses the rivalries between Richard I and Philip II, such as disputes over Sicily and Cyprus, and how these affected cooperation.
- Assesses Richard's decisions to attack Sicily and Cyprus, including the strategic benefits and the delays caused.
- Evaluates Philip's return to France and its consequences for the leadership of the crusade.
- Discusses Richard's leadership at Acre and Jaffa, and the reasons for his decision not to attack Jerusalem, such as supply issues and the political situation.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Underestimating the impact of Frederick Barbarossa's death.
Put it right: Explain how it deprived the crusade of a major army and leader.
Treating Richard's attack on Cyprus as a mere diversion.
Put it right: Recognise its strategic value in securing supplies and a base.
Assuming Richard's decision not to attack Jerusalem was solely due to military weakness.
Put it right: Consider logistical, political, and strategic factors, including the need to preserve his army and secure a negotiated settlement.
Exam tips
- Use specific events, such as the siege of Acre and the Battle of Jaffa, to illustrate Richard's leadership.
- When discussing Philip's return, consider its impact on the balance of power and Richard's subsequent decisions.
- Link the decision not to attack Jerusalem to the broader aims of the crusade and the feasibility of holding the city.
Try the lesson
The start of the Leadership of the crusades, 1095–1192: The troubled leadership of the Third Crusade: the significance of the death of Frederick Barbarossa; the rivalries of Richard I and Philip II; Richard’s decision to attack Sicily and Cyprus; Philip’s return to France. Richard’s leadership at Acre and Jaffa and reasons for his decision not to attack Jerusalem. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which Holy Roman Emperor died during the Third Crusade, significantly weakening the crusading effort?
Listen
The Third Crusade (1189–1192) was hampered by troubled leadership. Frederick Barbarossa's death in 1190 led to the disintegration of much of his German army, reducing the crusade's strength. Richard I and Philip II had a tense rivalry, exacerbated by disputes over Sicily and Cyprus. Richard's decision to attack Sicily and Cyprus secured supplies and a base but delayed the main objective and strained relations with Philip. Philip returned to France in 1191, leaving Richard to lead alone. Richard's leadership at Acre and Jaffa demonstrated military skill, but his decision not to attack Jerusalem was influenced by logistical problems and the need to secure a sustainable peace. The crusade ended with a truce, not the recapture of Jerusalem. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains the significance of Frederick Barbarossa's death, including the loss of a large contingent and the impact on the crusade's overall strength. Analyses the rivalries between Richard I and Philip II, such as disputes over Sicily and Cyprus, and how these affected cooperation. Assesses Richard's decisions to attack Sicily and Cyprus, including the strategic benefits and the delays caused. Evaluates Philip's return to France and its consequences for the leadership of the crusade. A common slip: Underestimating the impact of Frederick Barbarossa's death. Instead, Explain how it deprived the crusade of a major army and leader. Exam tip: Use specific events, such as the siege of Acre and the Battle of Jaffa, to illustrate Richard's leadership.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. The Third Crusade began with troubled leadership
- 2. Philip returned to France, leaving Richard to lead alone
- 3. Frederick Barbarossa's death led to the disintegration of much of his German army
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Leadership and command
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Rivalry and cooperation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Strategic decision-making
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Consequences of the crusade
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Leadership and command
- The Third Crusade was hampered by troubled leadership, including the death of Frederick Barbarossa and the rivalries of Richard I and Philip II.
- Rivalry and cooperation
- Richard I and Philip II had a tense rivalry, exacerbated by disputes over Sicily and Cyprus, which strained relations between them.
- Strategic decision-making
- Richard's decision to attack Sicily and Cyprus secured supplies and a base but delayed the main objective and strained relations with Philip.
- Consequences of the crusade
- The crusade ended with a truce, not the recapture of Jerusalem, after Richard's decision not to attack the city.
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