Islam & Europe 1000 C.E – 1750 C.E.

Between 1000 C.E. and 1750 C.E., Islam impacted Europe in many ways, it brought (and
took) political power to the Church and king through the Crusades, it affected society
through the Renaissance, and finally it affected Europe’s economy. It can be said that
Islam greatly affected Europe, it would eventually turn the continent into a wise and
powerful leader.

The Crusades began in 1095, when pope Urban II called for all the nations in Europe to
unite for a single cause. Before, Europe had been divided by civil wars, but this called for
an union, much like the union between the Greeks when the Persians attacked them. The
Crusades were directed towards Islam-adoring Muslims, concentrating mainly on the city
of Jerusalem. In addition to uniting the continent towards a single cause, the first couple
of Crusades brought power and widespread recognition to the pope. However, later
Crusades were less successful which took away power and popularity from the pope.
Before the Crusades against Islam, kings had little power, the land was divided among
rich aristocrats who had many small armies. However, many of these aristocrats died on
battle, without leaving a heir, which gave all their lands to the king, this greatly increased
the kings power. The kings would then move on to

Islam affected Europe’s economy greatly. Before the Crusades, Europe’s technology was
very low and simple. At the time, Islamic groups had some of the most advanced
technology. Europeans picked off many of these technologies from their enemies, many
of these facilitated trade enormously. For example, Europeans learned how to build better
ships and use the compass. Islam also brought forth the use of coinage, which helped the
economy greatly, people didn’t have to use the now obsolete barter system, in which they
had to drag hundreds of pounds of food to faraway places, risking being assaulted by
thieves, in order to get clothes or other goods.

The Renaissance was a very important event in Europe and the world itself. The
Renaissance was a cultural movement that sprawled between the 14 and 17th centuries.
The Renaissance were influenced by the Islamic wonders seen by the Crusaders during
the Crusades. Before this, Europe was centralized on serfs (a kind of slave). There was
little to no education, and Europe had a centralized agricultural economy. But all this
would change. The Renaissance caused schools and colleges opened, education was now
a priority. People overcame their fears and went on voyages and set out to explore. Arts
and literature were now viewed with respect. Most importantly, the printing press was
made. Normal people became interested in politics, exploring, etc.

As one can see, Islam was very important to Europe. The changes it brought forth to
Europe would not only benefit them, but the world. Islam started a chain of reactions: the
Crusades, the Renaissance, that would shape this world and lead us to where we are
today. Islam changed Europe, from a ignorant, primal continent, to a dominant, powerful
and wise Empire.