Evaluate the consequences of the Fourth Crusade (1202–1204).

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the of the consequences of the Fourth Crusade (1202–1204). The Fourth Crusade attacked and captured the Byzantine capital of Constantinople. Candidates may refer to the extensive death and destruction caused by the attack and the looting of the city. The Byzantine Emperor was replaced by a Western leader and the Eastern Church was placed under Roman Catholic leadership. This diversion of the Crusade resulted in an advantage to Muslims in the Middle East as they were not attacked, and the destruction of the Byzantine Empire weakened their major opponent. The Fourth Crusade greatly damaged the prestige of the Crusading movement and reduced support for further expeditions which led to further weakness in the Christian kingdoms of the Middle East. The divide between the Byzantium and Western Europe was deepened for centuries, which further enabled the expansion of Islam. Candidates may also refer to the increased commercial influence of Venice and expanded Latin influence in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the of the consequences of the Fourth Crusade (1202–1204). This question was generally quite poorly done as many candidates lacked adequate depth and range of knowledge or adopted a narrative style which did not meet the demands of the question.