Causes of the Crusades

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet exploring the main causes that led to the outbreak of the Crusades, encouraging students to explain, compare, and analyse historical factors.

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Causes of the Crusades

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to the Causes of the Crusades

Source A: A Medieval Chronicle

'The desire to reclaim the Holy Land and defend Christendom was fueled by religious zeal and the promise of spiritual rewards.' Provenance: A chronicler writing in the 13th century about the motivations behind the Crusades.

1.
Outline two religious reasons that contributed to the start of the Crusades. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the economic and religious causes of the Crusades. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
B

Political and Social Causes

Source B: A Medieval Letter

'The kings and nobles saw the Crusades as a way to increase their power and gain land, while many peasants believed it was their duty to fight for Christ.' Provenance: A letter from a nobleman in the 12th century discussing motivations for joining the Crusades.

1.
Explain how political reasons encouraged people to join the Crusades. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse how social factors influenced ordinary people to participate in the Crusades. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
C

Economic and Religious Interactions

Source C: A 12th-century Papal Bull

'All who take part in the Crusade shall be granted remission of sins and spiritual rewards, encouraging the faithful to take up the cross.' Provenance: Papal document issued by the Pope in 1095.

1.
Explain the significance of religious promises like remission of sins in encouraging participation in the Crusades. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the influence of religious and economic causes in starting the Crusades. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
D

Summary and Evaluation

Source D: A Modern Historian's View

'The causes of the Crusades were complex, involving religious fervor, political ambitions, and economic interests that intertwined to create a powerful push towards war.' Provenance: A modern history book analyzing the causes of the Crusades.

1.
Summarise the main causes of the Crusades. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse how the different causes of the Crusades worked together to encourage people to go to war. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet