Street gangs in the U.S.

br Street gangs in the United States enjoy a long and flamboyant history From early in the 1800 's until the turn of the century street gangs proliferated , especially in New York City . The widely acclaimed film Gangs of New York , starring Leonardo Di Caprio was a reasonably accurate portrayal of gang life and gang warfare in those times . In the heyday of street gangs in New York there were as many as fifty gangs roaming the streets at one time . Many of the gangs specialized in various types of criminal activities including

pick pocketing , burglary robbery , and violence . Adding to the mayhem , many of the gangs were also constantly at war with each other . Areas such as the Bowery and Five Points were breeding grounds for gangs , gang warfare , and all types of crime . At one point the areas became so dangerous the police , such as they were , refused to go there . The gangs truly owned the streets

During the 1800 's there was an influx of immigrants to America searching for freedom and fortune . Almost half of the recent immigrants were very poor . They had no choice but to be crowded into New York city 's eastside tenements that lacked bathroom facilities , heating , dry roofs or fire protection . Many of the immigrants also lacked job skills that were needed in New York , such as factory skills or educational skills that were needed in the new and growing financial district

Recreational activities centered around bar rooms and illegal gambling houses...