Introduction
The Crusades were referred to as "Holy Wars". These Crusades were an attempt by Pope Urban II to reclaim the "Holy Land" of Palestine from the Muslims. These Crusades lasted several years and took the lives of many soldiers. These epic battles showed the religious passion that people during this time period had and the brutal nature of a "Holy War"!
Task
You will be tasked with putting yourself into the shoes of a crusading soldier who is currently traveling hundreds of miles to fight for the freedom of Jerusalem.
During your travels as a soldier I want you to explain the hardships you are facing, such as the constant marching, lack of food or enormous battles fought.
You will be writing a letter to a family member, friend or other that will explain your struggles and victories.
This letter is about YOU if you lived during this time period, so make it personal to you.
Process
Step 1: You will read the articles listed below that explain the Crusades and the lives of crusading soldiers and choose at least 5 facts to include in your letter. (Your letter must include 5 HIGHLIGHTED or UNDERLINED facts)
http://www.history.com/topics/crusades
http://www.umich.edu/~eng415/timeline/summaries/First_Crusade.htm
Step 2: Imagine you are a soldier traveling across Europe to fight an unknown enemy on foreign land. Explain to your family member or friend the hardships you have faced so far and the victories you have already accomplished. Are you hungry? Tired? Excited? etc.
Step 3: You will now begin writing your letter. Your letter will begin by saying "Dearest (BLANK)," Your letter must be at least one page typed or two pages handwritten.
Step 4: Once you have finished your letter you be given a pre stamped envelope for you to address and send to the person you are writing to. If you do not know the address you can research it online, or bring it to class the next day.
Evaluation
| 5 pts. | 4 pts. | 3 pts | 1 pt. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Accuracy (Included 5 facts) | Included 5 facts that fit appropriately into the letter's overall message. | Included 3 to 4 facts that helped the students overall message. | Included only 2 facts that very little helped the student's overall message. | Included 1 or fewer facts that did not help the students overall message. |
| Letter length | Was at least a full one page typed, or a full 2 pages handwritten. | Was more than 75% of the page length requirement. | Was only 50% of the required page length requirement. | Was 25% or less of the page length requirement. |
| English and Grammar | Letter demonstrated proper grammar with minimal errors. (3 or less) | Letter demonstrated few grammatical errors. (5 or less) | Letter demonstrated several grammatical errors. (8 to 10) | Letter demonstrated multiple grammatical errors. (11 or more) |
Conclusion
You have virtually walked in the shoes of a Crusading soldier and have lived to tell the tale! Thank you for your service and dedication!
Credits
SS.W.2 Analyze and connect the status, roles and responsibilities of free men, women, children, slaves and foreigners across time in various civilizations.
SS.W.19 Demonstrate an understanding of Middle Age societies and the influence of those societies on the history of the world in areas of social, political and economic change.
• Analyze the social, political and economic upheaval and recovery that occurred in Europe during the Middle Ages, including the plague and the subsequent population decline, the predominance of religion and the impact of the crusades.
SS.W.13 Explain how migration of people and movement of goods and ideas can enrich cultures, but also create tensions.