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Growth of Gangs

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The Growth Of Gangs

Gang: A formal or informal ongoing organization, association, or group that has as one of its primary activities the commission of criminal or delinquent acts, and that consists of three or more persons who have a common name or common identifying signs, colors, or symbols and have two or more members who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal street gang activity. The key to the any gang definition is the phrase, "engage in criminal activity" or other similar wording. There are many legitimate fraternal groups, boys and girls clubs, sports teams and other organizations that have a common name and who may wear a particular uniform or articles of clothing.

The first sight of gangs in Western Civilization was in 1873. Documentation of the existence of gangs in England during the 17th century and we speculate gangs may have been around earlier in the mother country. It does not appear though that gangs back then had any similar features of modern day street gangs. Organized gang crimes didn’t emerge until the 1600s. This is when gangs started wearing ribbons to distinguish themselves, and started terrorizing cities and people. Street gangs in the United States began with their presence on the East Coast around 1783. Nothing to serious until the 19th century did gangs really emerge. Four major regions of the United States began emerging quickly these were the Northeast, Midwest, West and South the reason for this was that gangs in these regions influenced the growth and characteristics of gangs today. The gangs came about in the Northeast and Midwest due to immigration and poverty. By the first two waves of poor people. Mostly white families immigrating from Europe looking for a better life. Difficulties finding work and places to live and adjusting to urban life. Native born Americans

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