why did the economies of the former east german areas collapse during reunification?\nthe government bought…

Brief Explanations:

After reunification, East German businesses, which were used to a planned - economy system, faced difficulties in a free - market economy. They often had outdated technology, less efficient production methods, and were not accustomed to market competition. The government buying factories and businesses (privatization) was a part of the transition process, not the main cause of the collapse. Keeping the east and west economies separated was not the case as reunification aimed for integration. High economic growth leading to a shortage of workers was not the reason for the collapse of East German economies.

Answer:

East German businesses were unable to compete in the free - market economy.