Divide and rule policy was linked with which aim?

Correct answer: Making rule easier by dividing local groups

The direct answer is A: divide and rule aimed to make colonial rule easier by separating local groups. This was a political strategy in which a ruling power encouraged or used differences among communities, regions, religions, languages, or social groups. The reasoning is: united people can organize and challenge outside rule more effectively; divided groups may distrust one another; the colonial authority can then negotiate with, control, or suppress them more easily. Option A is correct because it states the central purpose of the strategy. Option B is wrong because giving all groups equal rights is not the meaning of divide and rule; the policy depended on separation and unequal treatment. Option C is wrong because the policy was used to preserve or strengthen colonial control, not to end colonies. Option D is wrong because stopping slavery is a different issue and is not the stated aim of this governing strategy. The phrase does not mean that every conflict was created entirely by the colonizer, but it describes the use or deepening of divisions for political control. Memory cue: divided people are easier for a ruler to control, while united people can resist more strongly.