How can divide and rule policy be linked with both short term control and long term crisis?

Correct answer: It could weaken immediate resistance but leave social distrust

Under divide and rule, colonial rulers deepened differences among communities, ethnic groups, or political organisations to weaken united resistance. This could help them maintain control in the short term. In the long term, however, such divisions could produce social distrust, communal tension, and political conflict. Option B is the closest distractor but is incorrect because the policy encouraged division, not unity. Exam tip: Mention both the immediate administrative advantage and the long-term social and political consequences.