A variety of events have shaped the social, cultural, and political dimensions of the world. The significance of most historical events is apparent to date, thus validating the study of history at all levels of education. The Crusades shaped the future of Christianity in Europe, humanism changed how people viewed human agency, and the printing press enabled people to reach larger audiences through printed material.
The Crusades were a series of military campaigns by Christians against Muslims that occurred between 1096 and 1291. The primary reason for the Crusades was to wrestle Jerusalem and other sites deemed holy from Muslim control. Capturing the sites would give Christian access to shrines related to the ministry of Jesus Christ. The second reason for the Crusades was to obey the call by Pope Urban II to free Jerusalem from infidels and ensure that Christian pilgrims could access the Holy City safely. The Crusades had multiple positive benefits to stakeholders, justifying their involvement in the campaigns. Firstly, it allowed the territorial expansion of Europe, with Christians taking control of the Iberian Peninsula and many Mediterranean islands. Secondly, the Crusades increased trade between Europe and the East since the Crusaders brought home many exotic goods (Blaydes and Palk 561). From a negative standpoint, the Crusades resulted in the deaths of thousands across Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, the campaigns increased the Pope’s power in Europe. The Crusades set the stage for the current relationship between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East.
Humanism is a philosophy of life that maintains that humans have the responsibility to lead ethical lives in the absence of supernatural beliefs. The philosophy is informed by science and motivates empathy and compassion for fellow humans (“Definitions of Humanism”). By providing a viable alternative to theism, humanism encourages people to use their freedom to define their life purpose. Humanism has played an important role in the evolution of humanity, thus proving its importance. The philosophy enabled Renaissance artists to thrive due to the freedom it afforded every human. Therefore, rather than being confined to the ideals of religion, the artists could be more creative and comfortable with the human form. Since humanism emphasizes the equality of all humans, it encouraged women to play active social and political roles. The emergence of strong women such as Queen Elizabeth and Catherine de Medici can be credited to humanism. Philosophy has therefore played an important role in history by encouraging freedom and appreciation of the human form.
The invention of the printing press in the 1430s transformed the world by paving the way for modernity. Before the invention of the printing press, writings and drawings were completed by hand. With the invention of the printing press, developing written material was faster, enabling one to reach more people (Roos). The reproduction of the Gutenberg Bible illustrated the heights the printing press could reach. The printing press facilitated the American Revolution by enabling the printing of pamphlets that helped drive the movement. Printed material became just as important as the sword due to its ability to influence people. In the French Revolution, the revolutionary press inspired opposition of the aristocracy. Accordingly, it hastened the removal of the monarchy. The achievements of the printing press make it one of the most important inventions.
Events throughout history have inspired the evolution of social and cultural phenomena. The Crusades, which pitted Christians against Muslims, saw the expansion of European territories. However, the campaigns also set the stage for conflict in the Middle East. Humanism inspired a non-theist view of humans and life by encouraging freedom and equality. The printing press helped reach people faster, as illustrated in the French and American Revolutions. The events show the importance of change in society and its lasting impact.
Works Cited
Blaydes, Lisa, and Christopher Paik. “The impact of Holy Land Crusades on state formation: war mobilization, trade integration, and political development in medieval Europe.” International Organization, vol. 70, no. 3, 2016, pp. 551-586.
“Definition of Humanism.” American Humanist Association, n.d., Web.
Roos, Dave. “7 Ways the Printing Press Changed the World.” 2019, Web.