From the Medieval to the Modern: The Mobilization of Crusading Imagery by European Leaders in World War I

This dissertation explores the nuanced evolution of Crusading imagery from the Middle Ages to World War I, tracing how European leaders employed these symbols to inspire, mobilize, and legitimize their wartime efforts. The first section delves into the shifting sands of opinion on the Crusades, which, during the Middle Ages, were often met with skepticism and perceived negatively due to the hardships, failures, and moral questions they raised. This view contrasts sharply with the Romantic period's idealization of the Crusades, where they were reimagined through a lens of chivalry, heroism, and religious zeal, aligning with broader Romantic ideals of nationalism, individualism, and a glorified past. Centering on World War I, the dissertation delves into how European leaders, notably those of Britain and Germany, appropriated the romanticized ideals of the Crusades to portray the conflict as a moral and spiritual crusade. Through an examination of speeches, propaganda posters, and military symbolism, the analysis uncovers the deliberate utilization of this rhetoric to cultivate nationalistic fervor and unity among the populace. By juxtaposing the medieval skepticism towards the Crusades with their subsequent idealization and eventual exploitation for wartime propaganda in World War I, this dissertation uncovers the complex layers of meaning that crusading imagery has acquired over the centuries. It then extends this analysis into the contemporary era, examining how governments and various political and religious movements continue to invoke crusading motifs to galvanize support, frame ideological battles, and assert moral legitimacy. This exploration reveals the enduring power of crusading imagery to shape collective identities, justify interventions, and mobilize individuals for causes perceived as righteous. Through this lens, the study contributes to our understanding of the persistent interplay between historical memory, cultural narratives, and political strategy in the shaping of global conflicts and ideologies.