The topic of the excerpt was a sign of which development?

The topic of the excerpt reflects the ongoing struggle for power between monarchs and other groups. This period in European history was marked by significant conflicts regarding governance, authority, and the relationship between the monarchy and other political factions, such as nobility, parliament, and religious institutions.

In many regions, rulers were attempting to consolidate power and assert their authority, while various groups sought to limit that power or assert their own influence. This dynamic often led to political strife, revolutions, and shifts in governance structures. The excerpt likely highlights the tensions that arose from these competing interests, illustrating how the struggle for control shaped political developments during that time.

The other options, while related to the broader historical context, do not encapsulate the primary theme as effectively. The rise of new monarchies and the decline of Oliver Cromwell are specific events within this broader struggle, while increasing religious turmoil in Scotland would be a manifestation of the contentious relationship between different factions, but not the overall development highlighted in the excerpt.