By the late 1800s, the "gangs" evolved. Disorganized street brawling transitioned into the structured hierarchy of , eventually giving rise to the modern American Mafia.
: Built on gambling, prostitution, and underground fighting. subtitle Gangs of New York
: Politicians provided legal protection; gangs provided votes. The Breaking Point: The 1863 Draft Riots By the late 1800s, the "gangs" evolved
Street gangs were not independent actors; they were the "muscle" for , the corrupt Democratic political organization. By the late 1800s
