A Short History of Gangs

History of gangs goes back to the time as longterm thug is derived from these gangs and is
as humans existed in towns. If piracy issynonymous with the word gangster in England.
considered to be related with gangs then itGangs of criminals operated in Japan and China in
stretches back to the time when ships sailedthe 17th Century, they were respectively known
across the oceans. Gangs are generally consideredas Yazuka and Triads Gangs. Japanese yakuza
by authorities as undesirable, though many gangsand Chinese Triads started as political groups but
consider themselves as protectors of theirsoon became known for their threats, robbery
community.and often kidnapped and killed.
Not much is known about gangs before RomansThe Triads later migrated to Taiwan, Hong Kong
in ancient history, although many historiansand USA. On the other hand, Yakuza of Japan did
suggest that if gangs were a law and ordernot expand outside Japan other than Korea. The
problem in Rome, they there possibly known byYakuza gangs mostly spread their tentacles deep
older empires and states. Suburban criminal gangsin Japanese business and many became heads of
during the Roman times caused disruption to lifebig corporations.
with riots and mayhem, these gangs were theGangs were known in US since the first cities
first to invent protection rackets.developed. Most children were involved in minor
Roman gangs were involved in criminal activitiescrimes but later often made switch to more
of kidnapping for ransom and they often took theserious offenses.
help of smugglers and pirates. Most of the earlyAfter the westwards expansion across the
historians blame senatorial corruption undercontinent, gangs started showing their power in
powerful gangs influence for the fall of Romanthe US. The Wild West outlaws like Billy the Kid,
Empire.Reno Gang, Butch Cassidy, Hole in the Wall Gang
Gangs operated throughout Europe during theand others added charm to the old west gangs
medieval ages, although few of them were activenothing more than thieves and murderers.
outside their localities. The story of Robin Hood isSince the Chicago Outfit or Gambino Family of
a good example of how gangs operated in thoseNew York and the 1920s, history of gangs has
times. The poor people who helped the gangschanged with gangs fighting for control of
were pain for their loyalty which led them toterritory. Al Capone, Don Carlo and Lucky Luciano
become heroes rather than villains.were the biggest names in Mafia of that time.
On the other hand, the Arab world had no beliefGangs like the bloods and crips from Los Angeles
in the goodness of gangs comprising of thieves ashad spread their criminal empires throughout the
many met terrible fate at the hands of goodUSA including the military.
people. One such famous story is "Ali Baba andThe history of gangs is still not complete, there
the forty thieves".are complex changes happening within gangs that
Criminal gangs existed in India from 13th to 19thcould change the entire industry in the next
century known as thuggee, they raided tradingcoming years.
caravans and killed people as they looted. The