ang. These gangs were predominantly white and African American, and were grouped by race. There has been no documentation of any other racial gangs besides Blacks, whites in this period. The majority of these gang members were in their late teens and twenties. These gangs were not at all considered to be crime related or dangerous to society. It wasn't until the 19th century that gangs started to become synonymous with crime. This was the result of the decline in the economy. Competition for jobs was tougher, and was less paying. This lead people to crime in order to survive. It also lead to the formation of groups of people in the same struggling situation forming gangs or alliances to help each other through their struggles.
             Many of the modern gang rituals come from Irish gangs. Irish immigrants in New York City formed these gangs. These Irish gangs were the first criminal gangs formed. They were criminals and brawlers who claimed their territories (The Five Points) in New York City. These gangs referred to one another by nicknames, and were recognized by dress codes. One of the first organized Irish gangs was called "The Forty Thieves". A man named Edward Coleman organized this gang in 1826. Another gang arose around this period called the Bowery Boys. These two gangs were constantly fighting each other for territory.
             Some of these battles became so prolonged and violent that the city Of New York had to call an Army to pu
             ...