General Gage was in charge of British forces stationed in Boston after the Boston Tea Party. He tried to contain the rebellious leaders in Boston with little success.  In April 1775 Gage was given permission by Parliament to subdue the colonists in whatever way he could.  He ordered his troops to march to Concord and destroy military equipment and  gunpower that was stored there.  News of this  impending action sent Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride.  Gage's attempt to stem the rebellion backfired and was the beginning of the Revolutionary War.