What were the major events leading up to the Fourth Crusade?

The major events leading up to the Fourth Crusade can be summarized as follows:

1. The call for a new Crusade: In 1198, Pope Innocent III issued a call for a new Crusade to recapture Jerusalem from Muslim control. This call received significant support from European rulers and nobles.

2. The diversion of the Crusade: Initially, the Crusaders planned to sail directly to Egypt, the center of Muslim power, but due to financial difficulties, they decided to divert their efforts towards the wealthy city of Zara (present-day Zadar) in Croatia, which was under the control of a Christian ruler.

3. The siege and capture of Zara: In 1202, the Crusaders laid siege to Zara, despite the fact that it was a Christian city. The city eventually fell to the Crusaders, leading to tensions within the Crusader ranks and causing Pope Innocent III to excommunicate the leaders involved.

4. The Venetian agreement: The Crusaders, unable to pay the Venetians for their naval transport, were offered an alternative by the Venetians. In exchange for their debt, the Crusaders agreed to help the Venetians recapture the city of Zara and assist in the defense of the Venetian colony of Constantinople.

5. The diversion to Constantinople: Instead of continuing to the Holy Land, the Crusaders redirected their efforts towards Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. They believed that by helping the Byzantines, they would gain financial and military support for their Crusade.

6. The sack of Constantinople: In 1204, the Crusaders launched a brutal assault on Constantinople, resulting in the sack and looting of the city. This event marked a significant turning point in the Crusades, as it led to the establishment of a Latin Empire in Constantinople, rather than the recapture of Jerusalem.

Overall, the major events leading up to the Fourth Crusade involved a diversion from the original goal of recapturing Jerusalem, conflicts within the Crusader ranks, and the redirection of efforts towards Constantinople, ultimately resulting in the sack of the city.