Politically, Italy and Germany Were Similar in the Fourteenth Century

Politically, Italy and Germany were similar in the fourteenth century because

A) the plague had equally devastated both regions.
B) both regions failed to develop a centralized monarchical state.
C) local nobles and town governments lost much influence over reigning kings.
D) mercenary captains usurped royal authority and ruled violently.
E) both had begun to develop industrial economies.