“The Crusades had a negative impact on the Middle East.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Crusades had a negative impact on the Middle East. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the loss of territory and the physical and human loss caused by centuries of warfare. The political and territorial divisions within the Muslim world created by the Crusades which added to the destruction and hardship may be referred to. The Crusades weakened the ‘Abbasid dynasty making it more vulnerable to the Mongol invasion. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, increased unity and power in the Muslim world, the emergence of powerful leaders, expanded commercial ties with Europe increased wealth, the Byzantine Empire was weakened by the West which aided the expansion of Muslim power. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.