Why did the German economy struggle during the war?

The German economy struggled during the war primarily because it lacked essential resources and was out-produced by the Allies. This shortfall in resources severely hampered Germany's ability to sustain its war efforts. The Allied powers, benefiting from superior industrial capacity and access to a wider range of materials, were able to produce more weapons, ammunition, and supplies than Germany could manage.

Germany's wartime economy also faced challenges due to the British naval blockade, which restricted imports of food and raw materials necessary for both the civilian population and military operations. This blockade exacerbated shortages and led to economic hardship within Germany.

In contrast, options relating to reliance on foreign aid and maintaining high levels of productivity do not accurately reflect the conditions during the war, as Germany was largely isolated from external assistance. The notion of strong agricultural exports does not align with the reality of widespread food shortages experienced domestically during this time. Therefore, option B effectively captures the economic difficulties faced by Germany as a direct result of resource limitations and competing production capabilities.