Which of the following was more important in determining the outcome of the Third Crusade? (i) The failure of Frederick Barbarossa’s expedition (ii) The disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus. Explain your answer with reference to (i) and (ii).
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
The Crusades and the crusader states 1095-1192
👑Complete Model Essay
Which of the following was more important in determining the outcome of the Third Crusade? (i) The failure of Frederick Barbarossa’s expedition (ii) The disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus. Explain your answer with reference to (i) and (ii).
Which of the following was more important in determining the outcome of the Third Crusade? (i) The failure of Frederick Barbarossa’s expedition (ii) The disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus. Explain your answer with reference to (i) and (ii).
The Third Crusade, launched in response to Saladin's capture of Jerusalem in 1187, was a complex and ultimately unsuccessful endeavor. While both the death of Frederick Barbarossa and the disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus impacted the crusade, the failure of Frederick’s expedition was more significant in determining its ultimate outcome.
The Significance of Frederick Barbarossa’s Failure
Frederick Barbarossa's death in 1190 was a major blow to the crusade. He was a highly respected and experienced leader, both as a seasoned crusader and as the Holy Roman Emperor. His presence lent prestige and authority to the crusade, inspiring confidence in his fellow crusaders and potentially intimidating Saladin. His army was also a formidable force, well-equipped and experienced, which could have posed a significant threat to Saladin’s forces.
However, Frederick's death left the crusade without a unifying leader. His son, Frederick VI of Swabia, lacked his father's charisma and military acumen. The leadership vacuum, combined with the loss of a skilled and experienced army, significantly weakened the crusade’s potential for success.
The Disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus
The disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus, although significant, were less consequential than Frederick's demise. While tensions existed between them before the crusade, they were exacerbated by Richard's failure to marry Philip's sister, Alice, prior to departing for the Holy Land. This further fueled ill-feeling and undermined the unity of the crusade.
Richard's actions in Cyprus, where he seized the island and imprisoned its ruler, also strained the relationship with Philip. The delay in Pope Gregory VIII issuing the audita tremendi and the staggered departures of the two kings further hindered their ability to coordinate their efforts. Richard’s successful siege of Acre, which Philip was unable to match, ultimately contributed to Philip’s decision to return home. This left Richard with a reduced army and further weakened the crusade's power.
Conclusion
Although the disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus were a burden on the crusade, they were not as detrimental as the loss of Frederick Barbarossa and his army. His leadership and military prowess were crucial to the success of the crusade. His death created a significant void in leadership, weakened the crusade's overall strength, and ultimately contributed to its ultimate failure. While the tensions between Richard and Philip undoubtedly weakened the crusade's ability to achieve its objectives, the loss of Frederick Barbarossa was a far more significant factor in determining the outcome of the Third Crusade.
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Which was more important in determining the outcome of the Third Crusade: (i) the failure of Frederick Barbarossa’s expedition or (ii) the disagreements between Richard I and Philip Augustus?
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Third Crusade and its outcome. Clearly state your argument—which factor was MORE important and briefly why.
Main Body:
Argument for (i):
Frederick's Potential Impact:
- Discuss Frederick Barbarossa's experience, prestige, and the size/strength of his army.
- Explain how these factors could have posed a substantial threat to Saladin.
- Highlight the potential for a unified Crusader force under his leadership.
Consequences of his Death:
- Analyze the impact of Frederick's death on Crusader morale and unity.
- Contrast Frederick's leadership with that of his son, Frederick VI, highlighting the latter's shortcomings.
- Argue that the loss of Frederick's leadership created a void that Saladin could exploit.
Argument for (ii):
Pre-existing Tensions:
- Explain the pre-existing tensions between Richard and Philip (e.g., Richard's broken promise to marry Alice).
- Show how these tensions undermined the potential for a successful joint campaign from the start.
Events During the Crusade:
- Discuss key points of conflict: Richard's actions in Cyprus, Philip's inability to match Richard's success at Acre, etc.
- Explain how these events further damaged their relationship and hindered the Crusade's progress.
Philip's Departure and its Consequences:
- Analyze the impact of Philip's early departure on Crusader morale and resources.
- Discuss Philip's actions in France against Richard, forcing Richard to leave the Holy Land prematurely.
Conclusion:
- Briefly restate your argument: which factor was MORE significant in determining the outcome of the Third Crusade and why.
- You might acknowledge that both factors played a role but emphasize the greater impact of your chosen factor.
- Offer a concise concluding statement about the broader significance of this analysis for understanding the Third Crusade.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
In arguing that (i) was of greater importance
Answers may refer to the prestige conferred on the Crusade by Frederick as an experienced crusader and as Holy Roman Emperor, which was lost by his death.
Answers may refer to the inferior leadership of Frederick’s son, Frederick VI of Swabia, following his father’s death.
Answers may refer to the size and skill of Frederick’s army which could have been a real threat to Saladin.
Answers may refer to the authority which Frederick exerted and which might have lessened the resentments between the other leaders.
In arguing that (ii) was of greater importance
Answers could refer to ill-feeling between the kings even before the Crusade which did not bode well.
Answers may refer to the fact that Richard had failed to marry Philip’s sister, Alice, prior to the Crusade, causing long-term ill will.
Answers may refer to the delay in Pope Gregory VIII issuing the Audita tremendi in October 1187 and Philip and Richard departing for the Crusade in March and April 1191, respectively.
Answers may refer to Richard I’s conduct in Cyprus on the way to the Crusade.
Answers could refer to Richard’s success at Acre which Philip could not match and Philip’s return home.
Answers could argue that the morale of the crusaders suffered and that Philip’s machinations in Europe when he returned led Richard to need to leave the Holy Land to secure his lands and so limited his commitment to the Crusade.