Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade — Edexcel GCSE History
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Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade explained
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.
Read the full explanation
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.
Richard’s quarrel with Philip II; Richard’s military victories at Acre and Arsuf.
Richard I’s relationship with King Philip II of France culminated in a bitter quarrel. Their disputes stemmed from Richard's refusal to marry Philip's sister Alice, and disagreements over who should be the King of Jerusalem. This rivalry led to Philip abandoning the crusade after the siege of Acre. Despite this, Richard achieved significant military victories. At the Siege of Acre in 1191, Richard's tactical skill and use of siege engines broke the stalemate, forcing the city's surrender. At the Battle of Arsuf, Richard maintained a tight defensive formation against Saladin's attacks. When the Hospitallers broke ranks and charged early, Richard quickly ordered a general cavalry charge that secured a crucial victory and opened the route to Jaffa.
The failure to recapture Jerusalem.
Richard I's primary objective during the Third Crusade was to recapture Jerusalem from Saladin, but he ultimately failed. Despite military successes at Acre and Arsuf, Richard realised that even if he took Jerusalem, his forces were insufficient to hold it against Saladin's inevitable counter-attacks. The crusader army was exhausted, divided, and suffering from disease and supply shortages. Furthermore, Richard received urgent news that his brother John and Philip II of France were plotting against him, threatening his Angevin Empire. Consequently, Richard negotiated the Treaty of Jaffa in 1192, which left Jerusalem under Muslim control but allowed unarmed Christian pilgrims access to the city, ending the crusade without its main prize.
Your focus
- Identify the specific events in 1187 that triggered the call for the Third Crusade.
- Explain the role of the Papacy in initiating the crusade.
- Analyse the combination of religious, personal, and political motives that drove Richard I to participate.
Show all 9 objectives
- Explain the reasons for and the impact of the quarrel between Richard I and Philip II.
- Describe the tactics used by Richard I to secure victory at the Siege of Acre.
- Analyse how Richard I's leadership and military discipline led to the victory at the Battle of Arsuf.
- Identify the main reasons why Richard I did not attack Jerusalem.
- Explain how logistical and strategic factors influenced the outcome of the Third Crusade.
- Assess the significance of the Treaty of Jaffa in the context of the failure to recapture Jerusalem.
Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade exam tips
Marking 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.
- Detail the causes of the quarrel between Richard and Philip, including the broken engagement to Alice and disputes over the crown of Jerusalem.
- Explain the consequences of the quarrel, notably Philip's early departure from the crusade.
- Describe Richard's role in the successful conclusion of the Siege of Acre in 1191, including his use of siege technology.
- Analyse Richard's tactical brilliance at the Battle of Arsuf, focusing on his disciplined march and the decisive cavalry charge against Saladin's forces.
- Explain the strategic reasons why Richard decided not to attack Jerusalem, such as the inability to hold the city once captured.
- Describe the impact of supply line vulnerabilities and the harsh climate on the crusader army's morale and effectiveness.
- Analyse the role of political pressures from Europe, specifically the actions of John and Philip II, in forcing Richard's withdrawal.
- Evaluate the terms of the Treaty of Jaffa (1192) as a compromise resulting from the failure to take Jerusalem.
Examiner 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.
- 💡Use the quarrel with Philip II to explain the political difficulties Richard faced, which ultimately weakened the crusading force.
- 💡When discussing Arsuf, emphasise Richard's quick thinking and leadership; when the Knights Hospitaller broke discipline and charged early, Richard immediately ordered a general charge to support them and secure victory.
- 💡Link the victory at Acre to the subsequent march to Arsuf to show a chronological understanding of the campaign.
- 💡When discussing the failure to take Jerusalem, balance military and logistical factors in the Holy Land with political threats back in Europe.
- 💡Use the Treaty of Jaffa as evidence of the compromise Richard was forced to make due to his inability to capture the city.
- 💡Link Richard's decision to turn back to his skills as a military commander who understood the strategic impossibility of holding the city.
Common Mistakes
- Error: Confusing the causes of the First Crusade with the Third Crusade. Correction: Specifically link the Third Crusade to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187.
- Error: Stating Richard went on crusade solely to escape England. Correction: Emphasise that Richard viewed the crusade as his primary duty as a Christian king and a warrior, not merely an escape.
- Error: Ignoring the role of the Pope. Correction: Always mention that the Pope's call (Audita Tremendi) was the official trigger that mobilised European monarchs.
- Error: Stating that Richard and Philip fought on opposite sides during the crusade. Correction: Clarify that they were allies who fell out, leading to Philip leaving the crusade, rather than fighting each other in the Holy Land.
- Error: Confusing the events of Acre and Arsuf. Correction: Remember that Acre was a prolonged siege that Richard helped conclude, while Arsuf was a pitched battle on the march south.
- Error: Claiming Richard captured Jerusalem after Arsuf. Correction: Note that while Arsuf was a great victory, Richard never successfully besieged or captured Jerusalem.
- Claiming Richard was defeated in battle at Jerusalem; correction: Richard never actually laid siege to Jerusalem, choosing to turn back before attacking.
- Stating the Third Crusade was a complete failure; correction: While Jerusalem was not recaptured, the crusade secured the coastal cities and pilgrim access through the Treaty of Jaffa.
- Ignoring the logistical challenges; correction: Emphasise that the lack of water, disease, and overstretched supply lines were critical factors in the decision not to attack.