Gang violence has been a problem in the United States since colonization in the late 1400s. While gang violence has always existed, larger, more organized factions began to arise in the 17th century. Today, more than 700,000 youth have been treated in emergency rooms for gang-related incidents, according to youthinfo.gov. Although many actions have been taken against gang members, not all of them appear to be effective. While it is very interesting how people get involved in gangs, our government needs to implement tougher measures against thug clans. The mafia first developed in the 1600s, when these citizens did not want to cooperate with the authorities. (Hoover) Hispanic and African American gangs began to increase in California in 1955-1965. (Hoover) California gangs operated primarily in Compton and downtown Los Angeles. (Hoover) The ages of the people who were in the gangs ranged from fourteen to twenty when they started. In the 1970s the age rose to twelve, to twenty-four. (Hoover) Women in gangs didn't do much. Mostly they were just friends with gang members. Sometimes, women fought other women from different gangs. (Hoover)African American gangs began in the 1920s, but they were not violent. These factions were not territorial and were not organised. (Hoover) Families and family friends were usually the ones associated with these gangs. (Hoover) African American gangs began to become violent in the late 1960s when the Crips and the Bloods formed. (Hoover) The Crips and the Bloods were the two most violent gangs. (Hoover) The Crips were the most feared gang because of their reputation for armed robberies and because they terrorized schools and neighborhoods. (Hoover) The Crips first came into being in Los Angeles in several...... middle of paper......the given situation. Perhaps one day, humans could live in a world where gang problems are reduced to less than 5%. Gang. Hidta. npndWeb. February 19, 2014.Dunn, Julia. “Los Angeles Crips and Bloods: Past and Present.” Edge. np July 26, 1999. Web. February 10, 2014. “Band Reduction Problem.” Solutions for crime. npndWeb. January 30, 2014. “Gang Statistics.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. Statistical brain. April 28, 2013. Web. February 19, 2014. Hoover, Marcus. “Where All the Madness Began: A Look Back at Gang History.” Edge. np 1999.Web. January 28, 2014. “Latino Gangs Launch Attack on Black Families in Compton to Drive Them Out of Town.” Your black world. npndWeb. February 19, 2014. “Resources for: Gang Prevention.” Find information about young people. npndWeb. January 10, 2014. “What Can You Do to Prevent Gang Violence?” Band information. npndWeb. February 10 2014.