The Crusades: How Did They Change the World?

Today we talked about the effects of the Crusades. 

We learned that one positive effect of the Crusades was an increase in the amount of trade between Europeans and Asians. 

While in the Holy Land, the European crusaders discovered numerous products (including delicious apricots!) that did not grow in the cooler European climate.

After the Crusades ended, and most of the Europeans returned home, they wanted more of the Asian food and resources. Therefore, they began to send trading ships to Asia to obtain them.

We learned that a negative effect of the Crusades was that some Christians and Muslims held onto their hard feelings from the fighting -- sometimes, even for many generations after the actual fighting ended.

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For today's Musical Monday selection, Isabel shared a wonderful piece of folk music: "Ashokan Farewell" by Jay Ungar.

Eloise and Eli: This song is soothing and peaceful.

Dearing: This is the kind of music that brings back memories ... even though I've never even heard the song before! It reminds me of driving to Virginia when I was young, and smelling the honeysuckle.

Biruk: It reminds me of happy memories with my dog.

Last week, the students thoroughly enjoyed Annabelle's recommendation: "Chained to the Rhythm" by Katy Perry.