Long Term affects of the Crusades. How has it shaped the current world relations between Muslims and Christians
One of the long term affects was it hardened Muslims feelings against the Franks and thhe millions of non-western christians who had previously lived peacefully in Egypt and Syria. Muslims viewed the Crusades as brave but uncivilized warriors. The Crusades was intended to regain control of The Holy Land and to defend Christendom, not to convert. The long term effects of the crusades helped to solidify Europe as a colonial power,forced christianity and many indigenous people. Allowed unbalanced control throughout Europe over both politicaa and economic well being of the continent. Theyy also amplified the wars that are still going on today, but did increase communications between otherwise isolated communities which allowed Europe to flourish to trade with Middle East with products like sugar, lemons etc. becoming available forthe first time in Europe. Also exploration of the World increased, the crusades also furthered the rapid growth of money, economy of banking and new methods of taxation. During the Crusades the European Christians attacked and occupied the Holy Land. They oppressed Muslims. It was a period of bloodshed,hostility, and violence. Crusades ended long ago but the reminents of those stereotypes have taken on new meaning, like Muslims are still bloodthirsty,violent savages bymost of the mainstream medias standards. The propagation of these views on the collective level through the media had affected Muslims globally and locally. Muslims in America, while living peacefully with christians and other religious groups are still subject to discrimination in varying degrees, harrassment and violence. Muslims feel enslaved culturaly, powerless, The Popes statement is being taken by Muslims as part of a continuity of Islamophobic statements made by high profile christians like Frank Graham, who has described Islam as "very evil and wicked