The Second Crusade 1147-1149
Causes of Second Crusade In 1147, Pope Eugene III declared a second crusade after the County of Edessa had collapsed to the effort of the Turks that had massacred or enslaved all the citizens. Pope Eugene III commissioned St. Bernard to get everyone possible to join the crusade by speeches and appealing to people. He went all over Europe, huge crowds would surround him and listen as he spoke.
"Christian warriors, He who gave His life for you, to-day demands yours in return. These are combats worthy of you, combats in which it is glorious to conquer and advantageous to die. Illustrious knights, generous defenders of the Cross, remember the example of your fathers who conquered Jerusalem, and whose names are inscribed in Heaven; abandon then the things that perish, to gather unfading palms, and conquer a Kingdom which has no end."-St. Bernard |
The Crusade The Leader of this crusade were two kings, Conrad III of Germany along with Louis VII of France. They planned to recover Edessa, defeat the Turkish army in Anatolia, and also strengthen Jerusalem. Both armies of the kings were overcome by the Turks.
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Why did the Crusade Fail? Louis VII and Conrad III did not communicate very much throughout the crusade. They both attacked separate groups and people. Along with lack of communication they were hardly ever near each other. This caused it to be far simpler for the Turkish army to defeat them and almost kill Conrad III.
Effect of the Crusade
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