Thomas Gage (1719 or 1720 – 2 April 1787) is a British general, best known for his many years of service in North America, including his role as military commander in the early days of the American Revolution.
Born to an aristocratic family in England, he enters military service, seeing action in the French and Indian War, where he serves alongside future opponent George Washington in the 1755 Battle of the Monongahela.
After the fall of Montreal in 1760, he is named its military governor.
During this time he does not distinguish himself militarily, but proves himself to be a competent administrator.
From 1763 to 1775 he serves as commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America, overseeing the British response to the 1763 Pontiac's Rebellion.
In 1774, he is also appointed the military governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, with instructions to implement the Intolerable Acts, punishing Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party.
His attempts to seize military stores of Patriot militias in April 1775 spark the Battles of Lexington and Concord, beginning the American War of Independence.
After the Pyrrhic victory in the June Battle of Bunker Hill, he is replaced by General William Howe in October 1775, and returns to Britain.
