From my own studies and reflections, the Crusades were far from the 'holy wars' often portrayed in some Western narratives. Instead, they involved multiple acts of brutal violence and genocide against various groups, including Jewish and Muslim populations. This dark history is sometimes overshadowed or diminished in popular education, especially within the American system, which tends to sanitize these events. One critical aspect often overlooked is how the Catholic Church, then arguably Europe’s most powerful institution, sponsored and glorified these violent campaigns. This institutional backing allowed the Crusades to not only endure but also to embed certain aggressive ideologies deeply into Western consciousness. For example, these wars included systemic child slavery, mass murders, and ethnic cleansing well-documented across historical accounts. The brutalities even extended against fellow Christians of differing faiths like the Druze. Unfortunately, the widespread glorification of these events contributed to a cultural mindset where violence tied to religious or political causes could be normalized and mobilized, as seen in later conflicts like the Iraq War, which some leaders framed as a 'last crusade'. Sharing these harsh truths from personal study and historical discourse can be unsettling but is vital for understanding the complexities of medieval conflicts and their enduring impact on modern identity and geopolitics. It reminds us why it’s important to confront history honestly, not only to honor the victims but to prevent repeating such atrocities under similar justifications.