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General Thomas Gage's life and military career shaped the early stages of the American Revolution. Born into an aristocratic family, he purchased a lieutenancy in 1741 and served in the Seven Years' War. As Commander-In-Chief in North America, Gage faced challenges during the Stamp Act crisis and the Boston Tea Party, ultimately leading British troops at Lexington and Concord. His actions and strategies during these events contributed to the escalation of the conflict, marking his legacy in history.
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Thomas Gage was born into an aristocratic English family in 1719 or 1720
Participation in the Seven Years' War
Gage served with distinction in the Seven Years' War in North America
Criticism for Role in Defeat of General Braddock
Gage faced criticism for his role in the aftermath of the disastrous defeat of General Edward Braddock's forces in 1755
Gage's marriage to Margaret Kemble solidified his social and political connections in the colonies
After the Seven Years' War, Gage was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in North America, responsible for defense and administration of newly acquired territories
Gage's approach to Native American relations was more conciliatory than his predecessor, seeking to stabilize the frontier through negotiations and treaties
The British Parliament's efforts to reduce war debt led to the imposition of the Stamp Act in 1765, inciting widespread protest and civil unrest
Redeployment of Troops
Gage responded to escalating tensions by redeploying troops from frontier posts to major colonial cities
Influence on Coercive Acts
Gage's advice to take a hard line against the colonists influenced the passage of the Coercive Acts in 1774
Gage's appointment as military governor in 1774 placed him in a volatile situation, facing criticism from both British and American observers
Gage's order to confiscate colonial arms and arrest revolutionary leaders sparked the first military engagements of the American Revolution
The colonists' fierce resistance to Gage's troops and the subsequent British defeat at the Battle of Bunker Hill led to the formation of the Continental Army
Gage's perceived military failures and the escalation of the conflict led to his recall to Britain in 1775 and replacement as Commander-in-Chief by General William Howe
Gage's role in the precipitating events of the American Revolution is often remembered, with some historians criticizing his strategic missteps and others suggesting that the underlying causes of the conflict made it inevitable regardless of Gage's actions