April 19, 1775 marked an important moment not only in American history, but in international history. You could even say that this day is fundamental in the history of humanity, since it was precisely in that period that the American Revolution began. The second a gunshot were fired, the nature of man, government and society would change as we know it. The creation of a republic, larger than the one created by the Romans, would take place; the United States of America would be born. All of these changes would come about because of one fateful day when the Battle of Lexington would begin the American Revolution. British General Thomas Gage was preparing for an inland expedition, determined to assert royal control over Massachusetts. To achieve this goal he had requested 20,000 soldiers to supplement the 3,000 who were currently on the “Facts on File” in Boston. Gage, however, wasn't the only one preparing at the time. The settlers had organized committees of correspondence to coordinate resistance efforts and combat the Coercive Acts (Gilje). To prepare for the conflict, militia bands, known as minutemen, were formed with the addition of smuggled weapons (Gilje). As stated in the article "Battles of Lexington and Concord", "On April 14, 1775, General Thomas Gage received the orders he had been waiting for." On this day, Lord William Dartmouth, British Colonial Secretary, granted permission and urged military action to quell a premature revolution (Gilje). Four key individuals were involved in the Battle of Lexington. The most important person on the British side was Major General Thomas Gage. Gage served as commander in chief of the British Army for over a decade and was appointed governor of Massachusetts to enforce the Mid-Card War that lasted eight years. Although there was much bloodshed, hardship, and consequences, this war brought great things for the future. As a result of the revolution, the United States of America was formed, which is the face and arm of democracy, freedom and justice in the world. The world as it exists today would not be the same if it were not for the Battle of Lexington that started the American Revolution. Works Cited Gilje, Paul A. and Gary B. Nash, eds. "Battles of Lexington and Concord." Encyclopedia of American History: Revolution and New Nation, 1761 to 1812. Revised ed. vol. III. New York: Facts on File, 2010. American History Online. Network. November 6, 2013. Purcell, L. E. and Sarah J. Purcell. "Battles of Lexington and Concord." Encyclopedia of Battles in North America: 1517 to 1916. New York: Facts On File, 2000. American History Online. Network. 4 December. 2013.