Within months, large armies from England, France, Germany and other smaller nations marched to Constantinople. These armies were led by kings for the first time, namely Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany. Upon reaching Constantinople, they planned the upcoming invasion. They would cross to Anatolia and destroy the Turkish armies that had been spotted the previous year. Their objectives were also to secure the pilgrim pass, recover the County of Edessa and provide reinforcements to Jerusalem which was in great danger as most knights had perished since the First Crusade (1095-1099).