Page:General History of Europe 1921.djvu/335

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The Crusades: Heresy and the Mendicant Orders 247 had done. By 1221 the Dominican order was thoroughly organ- ized and had sixty monasteries scattered over western Europe. The Dominicans were called the "Preaching Friars" and were carefully trained in theology in order the better to refute the arguments of the heretics. The Pope delegated to them especially the task of conducting the Inquisition. They early began to extend their influence over the universities, and the two most distinguished theologians and teachers of the thirteenth century, Albertus Magnus and Thomas Aquinas, were Dominicans. QUESTIONS I. How did the Holy Land happen to be in the possession of in- fidels? What circumstances led to the Crusades? What classes of persons responded to the call ? Describe the character and fate of Peter the Hermit's army. Give an account of the First Crusade. What were the military results? What religious orders grew up during this expedition ? II. What was the outcome of the later Crusades? What was the effect of the Crusades on commerce ? on warfare ? on general thought ? III. What was "heresy"? What were the views of the Waldensians? Give an account of the Albigensians and the crusade against them. Describe the Holy Inquisition. What were the mendicant orders ? How did they differ from the monks with whom we are acquainted? Con- trast the Franciscans and Dominicans. Give an account of St. Francis. Can you trace any effects of these orders on the thought of the Middle Ages?