“The Silk Road developed because the Tang emperors wanted increased foreign trade.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Silk Road developed because the Tang emperors wanted increased foreign trade. Candidates may discuss the nature of the Tang Dynasty and, in particular, that it was strong and open to foreign trade and ideas. This openness had led to a greater understanding of the outside world and more confidence in developing foreign relations with other countries. Candidates may also argue that it was the success of the military campaigns that led to far-reaching trade routes. Candidates may challenge the assumption in the question and suggest that the Tang wanted political and military control of these areas and trade was a means to achieve this. They could also argue that the stability of neighbouring states was an important factor in the Silk Road’s development. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that political integration was the most significant result of the Silk Road. Candidates could have considered a range of reasons why the Tang emperors wanted to develop the Silk Road. Candidates may also have challenged the assumption in the question and argued that other factors were more significant.