The objectives of the crusades were to check the spread of islam, to retake control of the holy land, to conquer pagan areas, and to recapture formerly christian territories. the crusades were seen by many of their participants as a means of redemption and expiation for sins. the crusades lasted from 1095, when the first crusade was launched by pope urban ii at the council of clermont until 1291. --from the encyclopedia brittanica this description of the crusades is an example of a) propaganda. b) a primary source. c) a biased account. d) a secondary source.