The Second Crusade, Chapter 2: Europe's Call to Expedition

When the news of the fall of Edessa reached Europe, Pope Eugene III began to organize a new crusade. In 1145, the Pope issued a papal bull appealing for participation in an expedition to defend the Holy Land and reclaim the lost region of Edessa. At this time, Bernard of Clairvaux traveled throughout various regions of Europe, preaching participation in the crusade, which further heightened interest in the expedition. King Louis VII of France decided to participate in the crusade, and Emperor Conrad III of the Holy Roman Empire also decided to embark on the expedition. Unlike the First Crusade, it was expected to be a much more organized expedition since the kings of Europe personally led their armies this time. However, the participants did not all have the same objectives. While some joined out of religious conviction, others considered royal authority, noble honor, political influence, and territorial expansion. As armies from various nations participated in a single expedition, issues of command and supply also became significant challenges. Thus, a large European force set out towards the East.