The Second Crusade (1147–1149)

The Second Crusade (1147–1149) was a military campaign launched by European Christians in response to the capture of the city of Edessa by Muslim forces in 1144. It aimed to reclaim Edessa and strengthen Christian control in the Holy Land. Led by prominent figures like King Louis VII of France and Emperor Conrad III of Germany, the crusaders faced numerous challenges, including poor planning, lack of unity, and strong Muslim resistance, particularly led by the famous leader Saladin. Ultimately, the crusade failed to achieve its objectives, leading to disillusionment in Europe regarding the effectiveness of crusading efforts.