01 February 2010

Discussion Questions for Strayer



Montsegur, the site of the final stand of the Albigensians

Here are some questions that you should think of during your reading that will guide the discussion on Wednesday and Friday:
  • What was Occitania? How did it differ from northern France in terms of social structures, economics, and culture? How were these differences significant in the Albigensian conflict?
  • How did the structure of the church differ in Occitania? How did this affect religious attitudes and the willingness/ability of the local bishops to respond to the heresy?
  • Who were the main players in the conflict? What were their motives? Describe the rivalries among the Occitanian lords.
  • Why didn't the French monarchy get involved at first? Why did they get involved later?
  • Why was Simon de Montfort so successful at the onset? What troubles did he face in the aftermath of his successful invasion?
  • Why was northern France ultimately successful with the Crusades?
  • How did the Albigensian Crusade strengthen the French monarchy?

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