Gage, Thomas (1721-1787), British general and colonial governor in America, whose aggressive actions against the colonists contributed to the American Revolution. Gage was born in Firle, England. From 1763 until his return to England in 1772 he was commander of all British forces in North America. In 1774 he returned to America to become governor and military commander of the Massachusetts colony. His rigorous enforcement of unpopular British measures aggravated an already tense situation. On the night of April 18, 1775, he sent an expedition to destroy military stores belonging to colonists at Concord, resulting in the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19) and the beginning of the American Revolution. Appointed commander in chief of North America in August 1775, he resigned two months later and returned to England.