History of Gangs in the United States

These flashcards cover the key concepts and historical developments relating to the emergence and evolution of gangs in the United States.

Where did gangs first emerge in the United States?

Gangs first emerged in the Northeast.

What was the first gang with acknowledged leadership in the Northeast?

The Forty Thieves, formed in 1826.

When did the first phase of gang emergence in the Northeast occur?

1783 to the 1860s.

What was Tammany Hall?

A corrupt political organization central to corruption in New York City.

What were police's first initiatives against gangs in the Northeast during the second phase?

They beat, arrested, and imprisoned more than 200 gang leaders.

What characterized gangs in the Northeast during the third phase?

They became more organized, better armed, and often involved in drug activity.

Who primarily formed the first Chicago street gangs?

Children of White immigrants, including Polish, Irish, and Italian.

What caused the formation of Black gangs in Chicago after the Civil War?

Immigrants escaping Jim Crow South.

What was the major gang in Chicago associated with the Folk Nation?

La Raza, Spanish Cobras, Spanish Gangsters, Latin Eagles.

What identifiers are associated with Folk Nation?

Six-pointed star, pitchfork, Number 6.

What is a key feature of the People Nation gang?

Formed as a means of defense within the Illinois prison system.

What colors represent the Latin Kings?

Black and gold, red, and green.

What was the precursor to urban gangs in the West?

A Mexican tradition of male cohorting known as 'palomilla'.

What significant events spurred the growth of Mexican American gangs in the 1940s?

The Sleepy Lagoon murder and the Zoot Suit riots.

In which housing projects did the Crips and Bloods primarily grow?

Public housing projects in Los Angeles.

What identifiers are used by the Bloods?

Red, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bulls apparel.

When did gang activity in the South start becoming prominent?

In the 1970s.

What city developed a serious gang problem in the 1970s?

Miami.

What is 'defensive localism' in relation to gangs?

The variety of functions that gangs provide, including securing living space and upholding honor.

What is the definition of a prison gang?

An organization operating within the prison system governed by an established code of conduct.

What processes contribute to the cycles of violence within gang conflicts?

Loose organization, collective identification of threats, mobilizing events, and retaliation.

What role do prison gangs play in the institutionalization of gangs?

They provide protection for inmates and strengthen gang cohesion during imprisonment.

What major processes have led to gang growth in the United States?

Macrohistorical processes like racism and macrostructural processes like immigration.

What gang identifiers are associated with MS-13?

Devil's pitchfork, 'MS-13', colors blue, white, and black.

What colors are associated with the 18th Street gang?

Black, silver, blue.

Where did the Crips initially form?

In Los Angeles.

What does the acronym RTH stand for regarding housing in Chicago?

Robert Taylor Homes.

What are common activities of gangs in impoverished neighborhoods?

Controlled drug distribution, resale of stolen goods, providing protection.

What shift occurred in gang demographics in the Northeast during the third phase?

Increase of Black gangs in segregated communities.

What challenges led youth to join gangs in socially disorganized communities?

Marginalization and exclusion from education and cultural opportunities.

What is the significance of the Zoot Suit riots in relation to gang emergence?

They fueled tensions leading to the growth of Mexican American gangs.

How did gang leadership structures differ within the Crips?

Organized into sets with varied structures—some have formal leadership, others do not.

What was one effect of Mayor Daley's “War on gangs”?

Gangs grew stronger while their leaders were imprisoned.

What is the general location of the Latin Kings' activity across the United States?

Most active in Illinois, New York, Texas, and Florida.

Which two prominent gangs rose in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s?

The Crips and Bloods.

How did gangs adapt as they emerged in the South?

Following significant violence and drug trafficking issues.

What characterizes the growth patterns of gangs in the Midwest during the second phase?

Increased Mexican and Black population led to gang formation for protection.

What societal factor contributes to the establishment of gangs in marginalized communities?

A shared need for protection and community.

Why were prison systems unintendedly beneficial for gang growth?

They provided an environment for gangs to strengthen and maintain control.

In which state is the gang MS-13 primarily reported?

California.

What identifiers distinguish the groups within the People Nation?

Five-pointed star, Crown, Crescent, Pyramid, Dice.

How have cycles of violence in gang behavior been characterized?

Repeating patterns of conflict and retaliation that enhance gang cohesion.