A History of gangs in the USA essays

A History of gangs in the USA essays Although it is not fair and certainly not warranted to connect any ethnic group with organized crime, it is a fact that the massive immigration of the early 1900s fueled the creation of the early gangs, particularly in New York City. As more and more immigrants began to land unload into New York harbors they began to complete with each other for houses, jobs and most importantly respect. Many of the immigrants who arrived in New York were often struggling financially in their home country and had come to America in order to escape the harsh realities of their lives. Of these immigrants who came to America searching for a better life, many eventually turned to crime. These immigrants are quickly condemned by many historians as being destructive and violent and of knowing nothing but crime. Herbert Asbury wrote in the main the gangster was a stupid roughneck born in filth and squalor and reared amid vice and corruption. He fulfilled his natural destiny (Intro GONY). This is the view ta ken by many historians that the members of these early gangs were simply bad apples who destined to become criminals, however it is important to remember that many of these immigrants were simply searching for a better life in America and were often denied the opportunity because of their ethnicity. During the flood of immigrants from Ireland around the turn of the century they were greeted with signs saying, no Irish need apply at many of the places where they would search for employment. Later Italian and Eastern European immigrants received much the same treatment. It is no wonder then that these immigrants surrounded themselves with people of their own ethnicity and that they eventually turned to crime. Immigrants had come to America to make something of themselves, with rock hard resolve and determination many fought to succeed in the American work place. Unfortunately many failed because they were denied the opportunities given...