Final answer:
The Virginia General Assembly responded strongly to Lord Dunmore's proclamation because it threatened the Patriots' cause and increased their commitment to independence. The proclamation promised freedom to enslaved people who fought for the British, which angered the Patriots and galvanized resistance to Britain. This caused a fear of rebellion among both slaveholding and non-slaveholding White people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Virginia General Assembly issued a strongly worded response to Lord Dunmore's proclamation because it threatened the Patriots' cause and galvanized resistance to Britain. Dunmore's Proclamation promised freedom to enslaved people and indentured servants who remained loyal to the king and fought with the Loyalists against the rebels. This angered the Patriots as it appeared that the British were trying to take away their enslaved property and incite a race war. This led to increased commitment to independence and a fear of rebellion among both slaveholding and non-slaveholding White people.