The Crusades were not random wars of aggression. The Crusades were the Eastern Christian response to centuries of Islamic conquest. They were primarily defensive wars.

Twice Muslim armies were at the gates of Vienna -- which would have given them access to all of Europe.
Twice they were repelled. https://t.co/g8usFE9IWH

— Nancy Pearcey (@NancyRPearcey) March 23, 2026