jay_a2j wrote:Ok then. The Crusades were, as I understand it (at least the first one) was to drive back Islam that had moved all the way into Europe. So the Christians fought back? *note I believe the majority of those fighting on the side of Christianity were not christians but prisoners that were released on the condition that they would fight the muslims. Pat Buchanan has nothing to do with Christianity per say. Hitler claimed to be "christian" as do the KKK. Lets not get it twisted.
The first Crusade you're probably right about. The subsequent ones were for various resons, including punitive expeditions and at least one because a King was bored. Still not the worst excesses that Christians have come up with over the centuries.
And to your note, most wars then were fought by prisoners and/or peasants that were used as cannon fodder. Fairly common practice. And I retract my cut at Mr. Buchanan. I have a personal problem with him.