Discuss the reasons for the development of the Silk Road under the Tang Dynasty.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why the Silk Road developed under the Tang Dynasty. Candidates may refer to the military strength of the Tang Dynasty and how successful military campaigns at this time had led to the acquisition of more land and the establishment of stable trade routes. The Tang rulers were also more open to developing relations with other countries, assimilated foreign ideas and welcomed foreign merchants. Candidates may also consider factors not directly linked to the Tang Dynasty that led to the development of the Silk Road. For example, the states to the west of the Tang Empire were relatively stable at this time so they were also more open to developing trade routes.