Impacts of the Mongol Conquests and the Crusades on Europe (Essay Sample)

The essay is about the Long-term impacts of the Mongol Conquests and the Crusades on Europe and which had the greater impacts. Europe has been on the radar of history because of the many significant events that have shaped its future politically, economically, and socially. Several significant events have occurred, but the Mongol conquest and the Crusade remain significant. The central focus of this paper will be analyzing the two events mentioned above and articulating which one of them had long-term effects on Europe. The Mongol empire dates back to the year 1206, during the days of Genghis Khan. The empire originated from Mongolia in central Asia, covering the Pacific Ocean, the Danube River, and the Persian Gulf. The Mongol empire was the largest in history, covering over 23 million square kilometers . Genghis Khan was a powerful warrior and visionary leader who fought many battles in the past and won. During the primary years of Khan's leadership, the Mongolians relied largely on nomadic farming as a livelihood. The empire kept livestock that fed on grass and drank from rivers. Sometimes drought and diseases forced the Mongolians to travel far lands to sustain themselves, livestock, and crops. Khan endeavored to make his empire powerful and create a sustainable economy for his people. He, therefore, organized men and created an army that expanded the Mongolian empire by conquering Asia, China, the Middle East, and Europe. By 1236, Khan's third son, Ogodei, reinforced his father's efforts and invaded most parts of Europe, including present-day Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary . On the other hand, the Crusades were religious wars that involved Muslims and Christians, were the two dominant religions fought to secure sacred places. The war began in 1096 and ended in 1291 that involved extreme violence pioneered by Christians in Europe . The first person to incite Christians into the war was the Pope after he declared at the Council of Clermont in Southern France. The Pope encouraged the Christians to take up arms and repose the holy hand that Muslims had taken control. The civilians and military members joined the Pope's plea and wore a cross as the symbol of the church. The most significant Crusade happened in the Near East during the attempted recovery of the City of Jerusalem by Christian armies from Islamic rule. Scholars argue that the Crusades had long-term impacts on Europe compared to the Mongol conquest. Some of the impacts of the Crusade were military orders, territorial expansions, religious and secular significance, and global imprints. Military orders emerged because of the first crusades in the Jerusalem conquest. During those days, individuals who volunteered to participate in the war took vows of chastity and obedience and promised to sacrifice their own lives to preserve the Christian faith. The common military orders that emerged during that time included the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller, and the Teutonic Knights . The orders have been central in the development of theology, the military, and critical political arrangements embraced by contemporary nation-states. The Crusade also led to the expansion of the Roman Catholic Church in terms of wealth, resources, and power of the Pope. Trade and transportation also became a necessity because people were free to interact with one another and engage in business. Therefore, building ships, railways, and trains was inevitable to facilitate people's movement from one place to another. The stories of the massive success realized by Christians in Europe attracted people worldwide who began traveling to Europe to experience their culture and learn more about the struggles. People also attribute the expansion of the European territory to the crusades. For instance, the first crusader state in the eastern Mediterranean resulted from the first Crusade. Initially, the States were under the rule of settlers from Europe. Additionally, the expansion of kingdoms like Denmark and Sweden resulted from the Crusading actions in Northern and Eastern Europe. The same activities of the crusaders led to new political units like Prussia and the Baltic Sea, which benefited Europe and other traders and settlers from Germany who got a suitable opportunity for business. Similarly, the Christians controlled the Mediterranean trade routes because of the crusades characterized by violent colonization of the islands along the Mediterranean. The conquest of Spain and Portugal and the former Iberian Peninsula were among the countries delivered from the Muslim community through vibrant attacks from Christians led by two Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand II and Isabella I . The conquest of the Peninsula also led to the expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal. Another key player in the advocacy to expand the influence of Christianity during the Crusade was Christopher Columbus, who expanded the religion and territory. Additionally, the political and cultural ideas that many countries adopt today emanated from the activities of the Crusade. Scholars note that many national flags of Europe have a mark of the Cross, a vital symbol in the war. The images of famous crusaders are also printed and incorporated into many cultures to honor their struggles and bravery and as a sign of inspiration. The most common image is that of Sir Walter Scott, a remarkable crusader . The increased flow of people to Europe created a new beginning in the continent called the Renaissance, a transition period from the dark ages. During the Renaissance, people began to study language, art, and literature ethics and made discoveries and innovations on many of the things used in the contemporary world. It is clear from the paper above that the Crusade was the most significant event that shaped the history of Europe. However, it is important to appreciate the positive impacts of the Mongolian empire. Even though the entry of Mongols into Europe was characterized by chaos, terror, and diseases, there were several positive impacts, including the uniting of the people who were long-time adversaries, a moment known as Pax Mongolica. The period of peace (1280-1360) opened many channels for trade, cultural exchange, and economic expansion between China and Europe because it enabled the opening of the Silk Road . Initially, it was not easy for countries in China and the West to trade competitively because of the restricted travel by land via Central Asia; therefore, the Pax Mongolica removed all impediments to the free flow of goods and services. The spread of technology was another critical aspect that arose from the Mongol conquest, especially because of Pax Mongolica. Important ideas spread during that period that are still critical to the world today include papermaking, printing, manufacturing gunpowder, and spreading religion. During that period, it became legal for people to exercise freedom of religion hence the rise of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Taoism. The monks, pastors, sheiks, and other religious leaders arose during the rule of Khan and were allowed to travel without restrictions and spread their faith. The opening of the Silk Road facilitated by the rule of the Mongols was a game changer for the European continent. source..