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THE CRUSADES.

(1096-1272.)

General Statement.—The Crusades were great military expeditions undertaken by the Christian nations of Europe for the purpose of rescuing from the hands of the Mohammedans the holy places of Palestine. They were eight in number, the first four being sometimes called the Principal Crusades, and the remaining four the Minor Crusades. Besides these there were a Children's Crusade, and several other expeditions, which, being insignificant in numbers or results, are not usually enumerated.

Causes of the Crusades.—Among the early Christians it was thought a pious and meritorious act to undertake a journey to