Why is the reunification of Germany a retrogression in history under the drastic changes in Eastern Europe?

During the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, German reunification was regarded as a historical retrogression, mainly for the following reasons:

1. Collapse of socialist beliefs: During the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, socialist beliefs in many countries, including East Germany, began to collapse. The socialist ideals and values once believed in began to be questioned, and many East Germans began to think that the socialist system was outdated and infeasible. This ideological change makes the unification of Germany look like a retrogression in history, from socialism to capitalism.

2. The retrogression of democracy: In East Germany, despite various problems, all aspects of society began to develop in a more democratic direction. However, after the reunification of Germany, the tendency of capitalism strengthened, and the social welfare of many East Germans was cut, which was regarded by some as a retrogression of democracy.

3. Aggravation of social inequality: During the period of East Germany, although the economic development was relatively backward, relatively equal was a society. However, after the reunification of Germany, the capitalist economic model was introduced, and the gap between the rich and the poor began to widen. Some people think that this is the aggravation of social inequality and the retrogression of history.

Generally speaking, German reunification has indeed experienced historical retrogression in some aspects. However, some people think that this is a kind of progress, because it has ended the division of Germany and made it a stronger and more unified country. History is always controversial, and different viewpoints and angles will have different interpretations.