The correct answer is D) They all has absolute rulers who built strong , central governments.
The 16th century saw the rise and increasing power of the absolute monarchies in Europe, alongside with the development of mercantilism and the formation of the modern European nation-states.
After the rule of the Catholic Kings and the unification of Spain at the end of the 15th century, during the following century, the Spanish monarchy was among the most powerful of the world. This was due mainly to the wealth (gold and silver) taken to Spain from its colonies in the Americas. The most renown Spanish king of this period is Carlos V.
France was also under an absolute monarchy, whose most notable king was Francis I, who initiated the French Renaissance.
Russia as well was under a strong absolute monarchy. During this century, the most remarkable Russian monarch was Ivan the Terrible, who ruled over almost 40 years and was the first king to adopt the title of Tsar of all Rus. He is considered one of the fathers of the Russian state.
