1920 American Gangsters
Gangs have existed in the United States for over 200 years. It all started when the first immigrants came to the U.S.A. Most of them came for a better life but many of them ended up in poverty. The first gangs were formed among poor adolescents who grouped together for the sake of socialisation and protection. They were of the same race or the same ethnic background. The first known gang specialized in crimes was called "The Five Points". They consisted of Irish immigrants and was established in New York City. They dressed in a specific way and used monikers or nicknames. Another early gang were the "Forty Thieves". Their gang leader was Edward Coleman and they formed in 1826. New York City's early gangs had an easy time of it because of the government corruption. They plundered stores and private homes without being charged by the police.
Gangs formed around similar ethnic backgrounds. After The Civil War there were Jewish, African American, Italian and Irish gangs in New York. Chinese gangs appeared in California in the mid 1800s. Philadelphia reported gangs as early as 1840. Between then and 1870 Philadelphia became home to over 100 street gangs. This is also the time when gangs started to use clothing for the sake of distinctiveness. Chicago became a type of gang capital during the 1920s, with a total of about 1,300 gangs and about 25,000 gang members. Immigration of Mexicans into California grew rapidly in this period. Many youngsters of the second generation didn't fit in the American society. They started wearing fancy and distinctive clothes called "Zoot Suits". Serious problems with sailors (it was the time of WW II) caused the "Zoot Suit Riots". Between 1941 and 1945 over half a million Puerto Ricans arrived in the United States. Most settled in New York City, which led to the formation of new gangs. Also during the 1920's the African American populations migrated from the south to northern cities and established gangs there.
Dressing, body language,
Gangs formed around similar ethnic backgrounds. After The Civil War there were Jewish, African American, Italian and Irish gangs in New York. Chinese gangs appeared in California in the mid 1800s. Philadelphia reported gangs as early as 1840. Between then and 1870 Philadelphia became home to over 100 street gangs. This is also the time when gangs started to use clothing for the sake of distinctiveness. Chicago became a type of gang capital during the 1920s, with a total of about 1,300 gangs and about 25,000 gang members. Immigration of Mexicans into California grew rapidly in this period. Many youngsters of the second generation didn't fit in the American society. They started wearing fancy and distinctive clothes called "Zoot Suits". Serious problems with sailors (it was the time of WW II) caused the "Zoot Suit Riots". Between 1941 and 1945 over half a million Puerto Ricans arrived in the United States. Most settled in New York City, which led to the formation of new gangs. Also during the 1920's the African American populations migrated from the south to northern cities and established gangs there.
Dressing, body language,