military expeditions undertaken for religious reasons, or vigorous campaigns to achieve a particular goal or reform.
From Old French 'crusade' (crusade), derived from 'croix' (cross). Medieval Crusades were named for the cross symbol crusaders wore. The word now describes any passionate campaign for a cause.
The Crusades weren't unified campaigns but chaotic, centuries-long conflicts (1095-1291) where crusaders often massacred Jews in Europe before reaching the Holy Land, revealing how religious justification enabled atrocities.
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