Many peasants and lesser lords joined the various Crusades.  For the peasants, there was an opportunity to see distant lands, to complete a religious pilgrimage to the Holy Land and to fight ‘heretics’, which could help you to achieve salvation after death.  Knowing the dangers of disease and depredation and the possibility of being killed in battle, if you had been a serf in Europe during the middle ages, would you have gone on Crusade?  Explain why you chose to go or stay.

The decision of whether to join the Crusades as a peasant or lesser lord during the Middle Ages is complex and depends on various factors. While there were potential benefits, such as the opportunity to see distant lands, fulfill a religious pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and possibly achieve salvation, there were also significant dangers and uncertainties involved. In order to decide whether to go on Crusade, it is necessary to consider the risks, potential rewards, and societal constraints faced by those living in feudal Europe.

First and foremost, disease and depredation were major concerns for anyone considering joining a Crusade. Traveling long distances in unsanitary conditions, often with limited access to clean water and food, greatly increased the risk of contracting deadly illnesses. Additionally, the journey itself was hazardous as it would have required traversing unfamiliar terrain and potentially encountering hostile forces. As a result, the chances of survival were far from guaranteed. It is important to note that disease and violence were pervasive issues in medieval Europe, so the risks of joining a Crusade were not entirely unique to that endeavor.

Another critical factor to consider is the system of feudal obligations that governed medieval society. Peasants were tied to the land and bound to provide labor and produce for their lords. Leaving their estates and neglecting their duties would likely lead to severe consequences, such as the loss of their land, eviction, or harsh punishment. A peasant’s decision to go on Crusade would, therefore, involve weighing the potential spiritual benefits against the potential economic and social repercussions.

From a religious standpoint, going on Crusade was considered a righteous act and an opportunity to combat the perceived enemies of Christianity. To many, participating in the Crusades offered the chance to earn salvation and ensure a place in heaven after death. The religious fervor of the time, as well as the influence of the Church, would have played a significant role in motivating individuals to take up arms and join the cause. For those deeply committed to their faith, these spiritual considerations might outweigh the risks and consequences associated with leaving their homes and abandoning their feudal obligations.

Furthermore, the Crusades were often accompanied by promises of material gain, such as the redistribution of land and wealth from conquered territories. While this was more applicable to the minor nobility and gentry, peasants could have hoped to gain access to new resources or better economic opportunities in the Holy Land. The chance to improve one’s social and economic standing, albeit uncertain and potentially dangerous, might have been a compelling enough reason for some to choose the Crusade.

In conclusion, the decision of whether to go on Crusade as a serf in medieval Europe would have depended on a variety of factors. The risks of disease, violence, and the potential consequences of leaving one’s land and feudal obligations were significant considerations. However, the potential rewards, both religious and material, might have influenced some individuals to take the chance. Ultimately, the choice would have been deeply personal and influenced by factors such as religious devotion, economic circumstances, and societal pressures.