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Originally Posted by Leto Doubtful, these events just took religion as a pretext, the real reason behind was a clash of powers between two kingdom : France and Navarre, and the consolidation of French nation (which already used Albigeois massacre to do so in Middle Age).
What if Crusades never happened ? |
If we take for granted that Crusades never happened (but they should have happened as the response of Islamic conquest of Middle East and North Africa - see my opinion above). Then the modern world as we know it would be a strange place.
here is a few consequential lines:
1) The gunpowder would have been reinvented in Europe century or later because Europeans ould have never had a chance to learn that such a thing exists from the Arabs - the military techniques and strategies would go on developing without that factor - for long yet Europe could not have achieved any military advantage over East.
2) Byzantine Empire would have been occupied by Saladin long before the Turks. - Arabs would have invaded Balkans instead of Turks - what would you say about Caliphate of Albania, or Greek Caliphate. Their rule would be far more rutheless that one of the Turks. Maybe, even now Ukraine's neighbours would be one of such Caliphates. Even in 21th century, armies would still be armed with muzzle-loaders using black powder. No electricity, no heavy industries, only small manufactures, NO COMPUTERS. We would not be able to communicate with one another via Internet.
3) Due to the threat of Islam all Europe would have consolidated under the Catholic Church. No opposition allowed, no free thought, no civil liberties. Reformation never happened, or should any, it would be suppressed quickly and efficiently. The fires of Holy Inquisition would have survived until 20th century.
4) America. The necessity to import spices when the way to India is locked by the Muslims would lead to in the end to opening America in almost the same terms. Here my vision fails me. Who can help?