The Crusades, c.1095–c.1291 WJEC GCSE

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WJEC GCSE The Crusades, c.1095–c.1291

Written examination: 1 hour 30% of qualification 60 marks 

Unit 3: A study of a period in world history

The purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of an extended historical period enabling learners to explore key concepts.

Centres can choose one of the three periods of study: medieval, early modern or modern, not repeating a period studied in Unit 1 or 2. Centres will choose one of two options within the period.

Learners will study one of six historical topics to undertake a study of a period in world history.

Learners should be able demonstrate skills of analysis and evaluation when engaging with sources that relate to the selected historical topic and historical interpretations that encompass contrasting views of events and people.

Learners should also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the following historical concepts in the context of their chosen historical topic:
• continuity and change
• similarity and difference
• significance and impact
• cause and consequence.

Medieval

The Crusades, c.1095–c.1291

In this topic learners will gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

3.2.1 The First Crusade
3.2.2 The Second Crusade
3.2.3 The Third Crusade
3.2.4 Developments in the later Crusades
3.2.5 The outcomes of the Crusades

with the aim of developing their understanding of how the Crusades changed and developed across the period from c.1095 to c.1291.

Content and Amplification

Background: The Near East in the eleventh century

Learners should be aware of:

  • The nature of eleventh-century Christianity in western Europe
  • The extent of Muslim influence in the Middle East and the Byzantine Empire

3.2.1 The First Crusade

  • How the First Crusade came to be organised, including:
    • The Byzantine request for military support
    • Pope Urban II and the Council of Clermont
  • Early events of the First Crusade, including:
    • The People’s Crusade and the attacks on Jewish people in Europe
    • The recapture of Nicaea and the Siege of Antioch
  • The importance of Jerusalem, including:
    • Events of the siege and capture of Jerusalem
    • The massacre of Muslims and Jewish people

3.2.2 The Second Crusade

  • How the Crusader region of Outremer was established, including:
    • The Crusader kingdoms of Edessa, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Tripoli
    • The roles of crusading military orders, including the Templars and Hospitallers
  • The Muslim challenge to the Crusades, including:
    • Muslim military forces
    • The capture of the Kingdom of Edessa in 1144
  • The main events of the Second Crusade, including
    • The leadership of Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany
    • The failure of the siege of Damascus

3.2.3 The Third Crusade

  • Salah ad-Din’s challenge to Crusader rule in the Holy Land, including:
    • The Battle of Hattin
    • The capture of Jerusalem
  • The achievements of Richard I’s campaign in the Holy Land, including:
    • The siege of Acre 1189 to 1191
    • The Battle of Arsuf
  • Eventual stalemate between the forces of Salah ad-Din and Richard I, including:
    • The Treaty of Jaffa
    • The impact on the reputations of Salah ad-Din and Richard I

3.2.4 Developments in the later Crusades

  • The main events of the Fourth Crusade, including:
    • The involvement of the Venetian Republic
    • The attack on Constantinople
  • The attempts to recover Jerusalem, including:
    • The Fifth Crusade and the siege of Damietta
    • The Sixth Crusade and control of Jerusalem
  • The events of the Barons’ Crusade, including:
    • Muslim victory at Gaza
    • The restoration of the Kingdom of Jerusalem

3.2.5 The outcomes of the Crusades

  • The fate of the Crusader kingdoms, including:
    • Civil war in Outremer
    • The siege of Acre 1291
  • The reasons for the outcomes of the Crusades, including:
    • Divisions amongst Christian rulers
    • Effective military campaigns by Muslim leaders
  • The impact of the Crusades in the East and the West, including:
    • Religious polarisation
    • The use of religion to justify political aims

References for The Crusades, c.1095–c.1291

Resource Examples For The Crusades, c.1095–c.1291

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