Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 1 The nature of crusading — Edexcel GCSE History
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Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 1 The nature of crusading explained
The concept of a crusade was rooted in the idea of a holy war, sanctioned by the Pope, to recover Christian territory, particularly Jerusalem, from Muslim control.
Read the full explanation
Participants took a vow and were granted a plenary indulgence, promising the forgiveness of all sins. In England, attitudes towards the crusades were overwhelmingly positive and deeply religious. The crusades were viewed as a noble duty, reflecting the intense piety of medieval society. English people supported the crusades financially through the Saladin Tithe, and many viewed crusaders as heroes fulfilling God's will, though some families worried about the immense financial burden and the high risk of death or capture.
The nature of the English crusading army: who they were, why they went.
The English crusading army was a diverse force, composed of highly trained knights, men-at-arms, infantry, and non-combatants such as priests and camp followers. The core consisted of the nobility and their retinues, bound by the feudal system. People joined for various reasons. The primary motivation was religious: securing a plenary indulgence to guarantee entry to heaven. However, other factors played a crucial role. Knights sought military glory and the opportunity to fulfil feudal obligations to their lords, particularly King Richard I. Some individuals were motivated by the prospect of financial gain through plunder, while others sought to escape debts or legal troubles back in England.
Your focus
- Define the concept of a crusade in the context of medieval Christianity.
- Explain the religious and spiritual rewards promised to crusaders.
- Analyse the attitudes of the English population towards the crusades and how they demonstrated their support.
Show all 6 objectives
- Describe the different groups of people who made up the English crusading army.
- Explain the primary religious motivations for joining the crusade.
- Evaluate the non-religious reasons, such as feudal duty and financial gain, that encouraged people to go on crusade.
Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 1 The nature of crusading exam tips
Marking Points
- Define a crusade as a holy war authorised by the Pope to reclaim the Holy Land.
- Explain the religious motivation, specifically the promise of a full indulgence and forgiveness of sins.
- Describe the general English attitude as highly supportive and driven by deep religious devotion.
- Identify the financial impact on England, such as the collection of the Saladin Tithe to fund the campaign.
- Identify the composition of the army, including knights, infantry, and non-combatants like priests.
- Explain the religious motivation of seeking forgiveness for sins through a papal indulgence.
- Describe the feudal obligations that compelled many knights and soldiers to follow their lords.
- Discuss secondary motivations such as the desire for wealth, land, military glory, or escaping debt.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use the term 'plenary indulgence' to demonstrate specific knowledge of religious motivations.
- 💡When discussing attitudes, mention the Saladin Tithe as concrete evidence of national support and financial commitment.
- 💡Link the concept of crusade to the broader context of medieval religious beliefs and the fear of purgatory.
- 💡Categorise motivations into religious, economic, and social/feudal to structure your answers clearly.
- 💡Mention the role of King Richard I in inspiring and compelling his subjects to join the army.
- 💡Use specific examples of non-combatants to show a comprehensive understanding of the army's makeup.
Common Mistakes
- Error: Believing crusades were purely for financial gain. Correction: Emphasise that while some sought wealth, the primary motivation and concept were deeply religious, centred on the forgiveness of sins.
- Error: Thinking everyone in England went on crusade. Correction: Clarify that while attitudes were supportive, only a fraction of the population actually went, with many supporting it financially instead.
- Error: Confusing a crusade with a standard medieval war. Correction: Highlight that a crusade required papal authorisation and involved taking a specific religious vow.
- Error: Assuming the army consisted only of knights. Correction: Note that the army included infantry, archers, and many non-combatants who provided essential support.
- Error: Stating that all crusaders went solely for religious reasons. Correction: Acknowledge that while religion was the main driver, economic, social, and feudal factors were also significant.
- Error: Believing peasants made up the bulk of the fighting force. Correction: Explain that warfare was expensive, so the core fighters were well-equipped knights and professional men-at-arms.