Evaluate the impact of the Hospitallers and Templars on the Crusades.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the impact of the Hospitallers and Templars on the Crusades, weighing up the strengths and limitations of their contributions. Impacts may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may evaluate the provision of military support to the Crusader states, which often lacked adequate military forces, and the garrisoning of castles that protected trade and pilgrim routes. The military orders also provided medical care for soldiers and support for the poor. Their ability to raise funds in Europe and to recruit volunteers to serve in the Holy Land provided long-term support to many of the Crusader states and the Crusading movement. Candidates may argue that their extensive military experience and discipline was a valuable addition to Crusading armies and individual rulers. Their religious zeal and unbending attitude towards Muslims did create friction and led to unnecessary strife and conflict. Their refusal to follow the orders of other military leaders contributed to the defeat at Hattin and the loss of Jerusalem. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.