Were the Crusades a major mistake or did they have any posit

Were the Crusades a major mistake or did they have any positive consequences?

Solution

The holy wars that were fought between Christians in Europe and Muslims in middle east between 1095 and 1291 are called crusades.

Main aim of these holy wars was to take control of Jerusalem away from the Muslims. These crusades have both positive as well as negative effects. Christian armies suffered many defeats throughout the crusades. They also slaughtered thousands of men, women and children on their way to capture Jerusalem. Constantinople was sacked and pillaged by crusaders.

There were also positive effects of these crusades. It helped to end feudalism in western Europe and helped to create Renaissance. Many feudal Lords died in crusades leaving their serfs free to start new life. Crusaders brought back goods like spices and clothes which increased demand for these goods. Crusaders built temple of holy sepulchre, which is center of pilgrimage and is only positive sign of crusades today.

I think negotiations were better option than going for crusades, but in middle ages negotiations were sign of weakness.