Why do many historians think that the crusades were not justified?

Answer 1

Many historians argue that the Crusades were not justified due to their violent and aggressive nature, which often led to significant loss of life and suffering for both Muslims and Christians. The initial motivations, framed as religiously sanctioned wars to reclaim the Holy Land, often devolved into political and economic ambitions. Additionally, the concept of holy war contradicts the core tenets of compassion and peace found in Christianity and Islam, leading to criticisms of the moral legitimacy of these campaigns. Ultimately, the Crusades are seen by some as a failure to foster genuine interfaith dialogue and coexistence.