Final answer:
Louis XVI's reign faced significant economic challenges, contributing to political unrest rather than the consolidation of power. Hence the correct option is (d).
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical circumstances that led to the consolidation of power by Louis XVI involve a variety of factors, particularly economic distress due to profligate spending by his predecessors, like Louis XIV, and costly involvement in foreign wars such as the American Revolutionary War. Louis XVI himself never achieved such consolidation of power; rather, his reign saw a deviation from the absolutism of former kings when faced with the French Revolution. Historically, French monarchy had seen a centralization of power under Louis XIV, marked by the establishing of Versailles and the weakening of the nobility. However, these actions placed a significant strain on France's economy.
The economic crisis was exacerbated by Louis XVI's additional expenses and his failure to implement necessary reforms, eventually leading to his calling of the Estates General. The result was political upheaval rather than consolidation of power for Louis XVI, culminating in a shift towards a constitutional monarchy as detailed in the Constitution of 1791 after the fall of the absolute monarchy.
Louis XVI's attempt to escape and regain control backfired, leading to further decline in his authority and eventual imprisonment. After the revolution, a constitutional monarchy was established with limited powers for the king, marking the end of absolute monarchical rule in France.