What was the main purpose of the Crusades?

The main purpose of the Crusades was to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by the Latin Church in the medieval period, primarily aimed at recovering Jerusalem and adjoining territories that were significant to Christianity. The movement was driven by a blend of religious fervor, a desire to assist the Byzantine Empire against Muslim advances, and the hope of gaining territory and wealth.

While expanding trade routes, spreading democracy, and converting non-believers could be seen as consequences or secondary motives of the Crusades, they were not the principal objective. The Crusaders were primarily focused on reclaiming territory that they viewed as sacred, particularly Jerusalem, which was central to Christian beliefs and history. The successful first Crusade did result in the establishment of several Christian states in the region, but the overall goal remained the reconquest of these religiously significant areas.