Final answer:
No, the people of Canada West were not worried that the French from Canada East might try to take over. The English Canadians were more concerned with their ties to Britain and post-war cultural protection for the Quebecois eased some of the tensions between French and English Canadians.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, the people of Canada West were not worried that the French from Canada East might try to take over. During the period leading up to the First World War, the concerns of English Canadians were more focused on the war and their relationship to Britain than the perceived threat of a French-Canadian takeover. The English Canadian sentiment was reflective of their connection to Britain rather than a fear of French Canadian dominance, especially given that many felt that France had abandoned them after the British conquest in 1760.
Contentions and strains between the French and English-speaking populations were vivid, culminating in the 1917 election which saw a split due to the issue of conscription. Demonstrations and riots in Montreal and Quebec City reflected the deep divisions, and military force was used to quell the unrest, indicating the high level of tension.
However, the question of French-Canadian sovereignty persisted as many in Quebec felt their cultural identity was under threat, leading to referenda on independence in 1980 and 1995. Despite this, in both instances, the majority chose to remain part of Canada, although the second vote was particularly close. To address these cultural concerns, the government of Canada implemented measures aimed at protecting Quebecois identity.