Dbq Pope Urban 2

In 1095, Byzantine Emperor Alexius I contacted Pope Urban II about the growing threat of Turkish Armies taking over Constantinople and Jerusalem. Alexius was in dire need of help, so he turned to Pope Urban II. Alexius turned to get help from Western Europe because although they were conflicting regions, they were all Christians, and therefore had the same, or very similar religious beliefs. Pope Urban II agreed to the idea and began creating what is now known as the Crusades. Although some may argue that the Crusades were an effect of financial benefit, they were primarily the result of Pope Urban II’s calling, the promise made of immediate remission of sins, and the belief that anything gained was the will of God. Pope Urban II was an adept and powerful cleric to both Eastern and Western Europe. His rousing speech summoned the rich and poor alike, to stop bickering and embark on this righteous journey. Urban II states in document one: “On this account I, or rather the Lord, beseech you as Christ’s heralds to publish this everywhere and to persuade all people of whatever rank, foot-soldiers and knights, poor and rich, to carry aid promptly to those Christians and to destroy that vile race from the lands of our friends… Moreover, Christ commands it.” Having been a …show more content…
Many people saw this promise as a colossal leap to be one with God and Christ their Lord. In document one, Pope Urban II claims: “All who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins. This I grant them through the power of God with which I am invested.” Most people did not want to go to hell for eternity, but with this promise, they thought they would receive a free trip to heaven. Especially in the West, Christianity, which was the basis of society, made this promise all the more