Final answer:
The French-Canadians from Canada East were concerned about Confederation because of the potential loss of language rights and their cultural identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French-Canadians from Canada East were concerned about Confederation primarily due to the potential loss of their language rights. This fear was rooted in their unique cultural identity and the desire to maintain their Francophone heritage within a dominantly Anglophone Canada.
Historical events, such as the cases where French language rights were taken away in Manitoba and other western provinces, fueled these concerns. Furthermore, the Quebecois had worries about preserving their cultural, religious, and linguistic identity in the face of majority English-speaking Protestant Canadians.
Economic considerations also played a role; post-secession from Canada might have led to economic instability due to potential exclusion from international agreements like NAFTA and the departure of English-speaking businesses.
Political conflicts arising from cultural differences between French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians have been persistent, manifesting in events like the conscription crisis during World War I, which highlighted divisions and led to violent opposition in Quebec.
The preservation of French-Canadian culture and rights was so critical that the prospect of Quebec secession resulted in referenda, and despite Quebec opting to stay within Canada, the concern for cultural protections remained significant. Ultimately, the Canadian government has provided guarantees and cultural protections to assuage the fears of the Quebecois.