The economies of former East German areas collapsed post-reunification primarily because East German businesses struggled to compete in a free-market economy. Government interventions, including purchasing factories, resulted in reduced employment. The disparity between East and West added to the economic difficulties faced by eastern regions. ;
The collapse of the economies in former East German areas during reunification was primarily due to their inability to compete in the free-market economy. Many businesses were outdated and faced closures, leading to significant job losses and economic disparities from the West. The best answer to the multiple-choice question is B: East German businesses were unable to compete in the free-market economy.
;