Assess the Reasons for the Success of the First Crusade

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Assess the reasons for the success of the First Crusade The capture of Jerusalem, the most important city in Christendom, in 1099 was a momentous event that eventually gave the outcome of the First Crusade as successful. The reasons for the success of the First Crusade have been debated throughout the centuries. Was it successful because it was an act ordained by God, or were there other physical factors to attest to its success? The reasons shall be assessed below. One of the most popular factors attributed to the success of the First Crusade was the deep religious conviction of the first crusaders. They believed that their cause was just, and that God was behind it. This staunch conviction bolstered their efforts to the extent in which they engaged and defeated formidable opponents such as the Egyptians, defying all logical calculation and reasoning. The religious zeal of the crusaders could also have given them the strength to endure and overcome the miserable conditions they found themselves in, sieges and disease. Another reason why the First Crusade was successful was because of its efficient leadership. Leaders such as Robert of Flanders, who organised the foraging and gathering of materials at Jerusalem; and Robert of Normandy, who was one of the great failures of the crusade but yet scoured a victorious charge at Ascalon, greatly contributed to the success of the First Crusade. Perhaps the greatest contributor to the success of the First Crusade in terms of leadership was Bohemund. Bohemund was considered the greatest leader of the First Crusade. He was an able general, whose greatest strength was his aggressiveness. This aggressiveness was put to good use, as his determination to take the enemy by surprise characterised his victories over the armies of Emir Kerbogha of Mosul and Ridwan of Aleppo. Byzantine aid contributed greatly to the

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