Final answer:
The anxiety-inducing event in England toward the end of the 19th century was the German defeat of France, leading to the unification of Germany and a shift in European power dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The event near the end of the 19th century that caused great anxiety in England was B. The German defeat of France. The Franco-Prussian War, in which Germany emerged victorious, led to concerns about a shift in the balance of power in Europe. This marked the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership, creating a new, powerful imperial nation right at England's doorstep. This historical period was fraught with nationalistic tensions and military buildup, ultimately setting the stage for World War I.