The Crusades were driven by multiple motivations, strategically entwining financial needs with religious fervor. While many view these military campaigns primarily as efforts to spread Christianity and reclaim holy sites, it’s crucial to recognize the economic impetus behind them. Europe was experiencing a monetary shortage, prompting leaders to seek new territories and resources through conquest.

This dual motive of financial gain and religious zeal highlights how economic forces shaped historical events. The Crusades exemplify how the pursuit of wealth often underpinned actions framed as noble or divine, ultimately altering the landscape of Europe and the Middle East. Niall Ferguson in "The Ascent of Money" emphasizes that these ventures played a critical role in addressing Europe's economic challenges of the time.