The Political Structure of Western and Central Europe Following the Collapse

The political structure of western and central Europe following the collapse of the western Roman empire can best be described as which of the following?

A) Several large and strong states arose to replace the Roman empire.
B) Without the authoritarian hand of the Roman emperor, several territories in western Europe adopted forms of republican rule.
C) Dozens of small Germanic monarchies sprang up throughout western and central Europe, none of which commanded much power.
D) The church took over most political affairs following the collapse of the western Roman empire.