Introduction

During the 19th century, and even before, various countries beyond the UK and USA had their share of street gangs. These gangs were not isolated phenomena but part of a broader historical trend, shaped by socio-economic conditions such as overpopulation, squalor, and the lack of legitimate employment opportunities.

Early Existence of Street Gangs

Procopius, a notable historian, provided one of the earliest records of street gangs. During the reign of Emperor Justinian in Constantinople, Procopius documented the existence of street gangs that wore Hun-inspired clothing and hairstyles. These gangs engaged in both petty and more serious crimes, offering a striking similarity to 1950s style gangs (Procopius, 553 AD). Procopius' memoir, The Secret History, is a valuable source for understanding these early gangs.

19th Century Street Gangs in Europe

The 19th century was a period of rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to a proliferation of street gangs in the industrialized world. Overpopulation and the squalor of cities created ideal conditions for criminal activities. Children were often recruited into these gangs, seeing their involvement as a more viable option than working as chimney sweeps or in factories, where wages were meager and the risk of death or illness was high.

France: France had its fair share of street gangs, each specializing in different crimes. In Lyon, the Bande Lyonnais were a decentralized group known for their bank robberies. The proceeds from these crimes were used to fund prostitution rings across central France. Meanwhile, in Paris, groups of armed thugs would target passersby and engage in brutal crimes. These individuals weren't united, but media reports misrepresented them, collectively naming them Les Apaches due to their ferocity and cruelty. As these gangs tried to resist police crackdowns, the situation escalated, leading to riots and street battles at the beginning of the 20th century. A famous depiction of an altercation between the Apaches and Parisian police () highlights the violent nature of these times.

Widespread Presence of Street Gangs

It's important to note that the presence of street gangs wasn't exclusive to the UK and USA. The idea of street gangs was not unfamiliar to other parts of Europe, suggesting that these criminal organizations were a common phenomenon. For instance, it is unlikely that Europeans naturally devised the concept of street gangs without prior exposure, as evidenced by historical accounts from Rome and beyond.

Historical Precedents and Global Context

Historically,criminal activities such as smuggling, burglary, theft from ship's cargo, hijacking, piracy, forgery, human trafficking, prostitution, gambling, embezzlement, and extortion have required complex networks of confederates. The Romans, for example, had to contend with street gangs in their major cities, indicating a common factor among urban communities with sufficient population, inadequate policing, and disconnection from legitimate employment.

These organized criminal groups often utilized street gangs as "contingent workforce/subcontractors" for the highest risk, low-reward tasks. This was a pattern that carried into later periods, with street gangs playing a crucial role in moving drugs, gambling receipts, counterfeit currency, tax stamps, and facilitating various financial transactions.

Outside Europe: In addition to France, other global regions also had their distinct forms of criminal organizations. For instance, the Thuggee cult in India, the Assassins of the Middle Ages, the original Mongols under Genghis Khan, and various pirate groups all had their own methods of organizing and conducting criminal activities. Even rural areas and small towns could have street gangs, although they were less visible due to a smaller population base and less media attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existence of street gangs was not limited to the UK and USA but was a widespread phenomenon, influenced by social and economic factors. Historical evidence from Constantinople, France, and other parts of the world highlights the enduring nature of these criminal organizations across different eras and geographical locations. Understanding the historical context of street gangs provides valuable insights into the development of organized crime and the challenges faced by communities in dealing with gang-related activities.

References:

Procopius, (553 AD). The Secret History. Publisher.