Why was the spread of socialist ideas in colonies a challenge to colonial rule?

Correct answer: Because these ideas questioned exploitation and inequality

Socialist ideas criticised class exploitation, economic inequality and imperial control. They gave workers, peasants and educated people in colonies an ideological basis to demand rights and organise against foreign rule. Hence, they challenged colonial authority. Option B is incorrect because it supports imperial rule, whereas socialism criticised it. Exam tip: link socialism with equality, opposition to exploitation and mass mobilisation.