Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third…
Full specification wording
Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade: The immediate causes of the Third Crusade; Richard’s motives for involvement in the Third Crusade.
The immediate cause of the Third Crusade was the defeat of the Christian army at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, which led to the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The immediate cause of the Third Crusade was the defeat of the Christian army at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, which led to the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin. This loss prompted Pope Gregory VIII to issue a papal bull calling for a new crusade to reclaim the Holy City. King Richard I’s motives for involvement were deeply personal. As a devout Christian, he was driven by a genuine religious desire to liberate Jerusalem and secure forgiveness for his sins. Furthermore, Richard was a renowned warrior who sought military glory and the chance to cement his legacy as a great Christian king. He also possessed the immense wealth of the Angevin Empire, which gave him the means to fund and lead such a massive expedition.
What earns the marks
- Identify the Battle of Hattin (1187) and the subsequent fall of Jerusalem to Saladin as the immediate triggers.
- Mention the papal bull Audita Tremendi issued by Pope Gregory VIII calling for the crusade.
- Explain Richard's religious motivation to reclaim the Holy Land and earn spiritual rewards.
- Discuss Richard's personal desire for military glory, prestige, and the fulfilment of his role as a chivalric king.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the causes of the First Crusade with the Third Crusade.
Put it right: Specifically link the Third Crusade to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187.
Stating Richard went on crusade solely to escape England.
Put it right: Emphasise that Richard viewed the crusade as his primary duty as a Christian king and a warrior, not merely an escape.
Ignoring the role of the Pope.
Put it right: Mention that the Pope's call (Audita Tremendi) was the official trigger that mobilised European monarchs.
Exam tips
- Use the specific date 1187 and the name Saladin when discussing the immediate causes to show precise knowledge.
- Balance Richard's religious piety with his desire for personal glory when explaining his motives.
- Connect Richard's vast resources from the Angevin Empire to his ability to act on his motives.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade: The immediate causes of the Third Crusade; Richard’s motives for involvement in the Third Crusade. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What event in 1187 was the immediate cause of the Third Crusade?
Listen
The immediate cause of the Third Crusade was the defeat of the Christian army at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, which led to the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin. This loss prompted Pope Gregory VIII to issue a papal bull calling for a new crusade to reclaim the Holy City. King Richard I’s motives for involvement were deeply personal. As a devout Christian, he was driven by a genuine religious desire to liberate Jerusalem and secure forgiveness for his sins. Furthermore, Richard was a renowned warrior who sought military glory and the chance to cement his legacy as a great Christian king. He also possessed the immense wealth of the Angevin Empire, which gave him the means to fund and lead such a massive expedition. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the Battle of Hattin (1187) and the subsequent fall of Jerusalem to Saladin as the immediate triggers. Mention the papal bull Audita Tremendi issued by Pope Gregory VIII calling for the crusade. Explain Richard's religious motivation to reclaim the Holy Land and earn spiritual rewards. Discuss Richard's personal desire for military glory, prestige, and the fulfilment of his role as a chivalric king. A common slip: Confusing the causes of the First Crusade with the Third Crusade. Instead, Specifically link the Third Crusade to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187. Exam tip: Use the specific date 1187 and the name Saladin when discussing the immediate causes to show precise knowledge.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Causes of conflict
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Religious duty
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Leadership and power
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Chivalry and warfare
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Causes of conflict
- The immediate cause was the defeat of the Christian army at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, which led to the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin.
- Religious duty
- As a devout Christian, Richard was driven by a genuine religious desire to liberate Jerusalem and secure forgiveness for his sins.
- Leadership and power
- Richard was a renowned warrior who sought military glory and the chance to cement his legacy as a great Christian king.
- Chivalry and warfare
- Richard sought the fulfilment of his role as a chivalric king, alongside military glory and prestige.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade: The immediate causes of the Third Crusade; Richard’s motives for involvement in the Third Crusade.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge