The Crusades and their influence on the world

¶ … Crusades and Its Consequences

The Crusades were a series of historical events that was of extreme importance in the history of both Eastern and Western cultures. The motivations and reasons for the Crusade have been the subject of much contention and debate. Views include the opinion that the Crusades were essentially a power struggle and reflect the need of the Papacy to extend its political influence. While the Crusades are conventionally seen to have had a mainly religious impetus, yet historical research also reveals other aspects and dimensions, which emphasizes the complexity of the Crusades. Just as debatable and complex are the consequences and impact that the Crusades were to have on the world. These include negative aspects such as the subjugation and domination of other cultures as well as positive aspects such as the extension and broadening of cultural contact. There is no doubt however that the various Crusades had a profound effect on the social, cultural and political development of the world and were possibly the precursor to the era of European expansionism and eventual colonization.