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Long before Netflix documentaries and sensational headlines, the American underworld was busy forging its own legends. From motorcycle clubs with global reach to warring street factions that have shaped urban landscapes, these groups continue to capture public fascination—even as law enforcement cracks down on their every move. Below, we explore three of the most infamous gangs in U.S. history, tracing their origins, their rivalries, and the shadowy cultures they created.
1. The Hells Angels
The name alone sparks visions of roaring bikes, leather vests, and a rebel streak a mile wide. Formed in 1948 by a group of World War II veterans in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels quickly gained notoriety for an unwavering loyalty to their brotherhood—and frequent brushes with the law. Over time, they expanded across state lines and eventually into more than 30 countries.
Wartime Ties and Rebellion
Their founders were restless ex-servicemen who refused to quietly fade into civilian life. The open road offered new frontiers, and a camaraderie forged in battle now thrived in the club’s rebellious spirit.
Infamous Moments
In 1965, they famously declined to join an anti-Vietnam War rally in Oakland, choosing instead to write to President Johnson and offer their services as a “crack group of trained guerrillas.” More recently, the Netherlands banned the Hells Angels outright in 2019, making it the first country to prohibit the club at a national level—a decision reaffirmed by the country’s highest court in 2022.
Law Enforcement Scrutiny
Over the decades, numerous members have landed in jail for offenses ranging from drug trafficking to extortion. While some chapters remain relatively quiet, others have consistently attracted police attention for alleged links to organized crime.
2. The Crips
Launched in Los Angeles in 1969, the Crips started out with a very different mission: to unify neighborhood kids under one banner—sometimes described as a kind of “neighborhood watch.” Yet, as the group grew, it morphed into a loose network of “sets,” developing its own culture, symbols, and longstanding rivalry with the Bloods.
Origins and Evolution
Raymond Washington and Stanley “Tookie” Williams founded the Crips in an effort to stop other gangs. Early members were said to fight with fists rather than guns, though that quickly changed as violence escalated in later years.
A Name That Stuck
Originally called “Cribs,” members carried canes to flaunt their so-called “pimp” status. Neighbors teased them as “cripples,” and the shortened nickname “Crips” took root.
Contradictory Lives
Co-founder Stanley Williams famously juggled two identities: by day, an anti-gang youth counselor; by night, an overboss entangled in violent feuds with the Bloods. He eventually sought redemption but was executed in 2005 for crimes linked to his gang activities.
3. The Bloods
Formed in Los Angeles during the early 1970s, the Bloods were less a single gang and more a coalition of smaller groups banding together to counter the power of the Crips. From these loosely knit alliances emerged a collective identity, symbolized by the color red and accompanied by distinctive codes and hand signs.
Rise to Counter the Crips
Frustrated by the growing dominance of the Crips, smaller neighborhood sets united under the name Bloods. What began as a reaction soon grew into a formidable force, carving out its own territories in Southern California and beyond.
A Tragic Rivalry
The Crips’ founder, Raymond Washington, reportedly became disillusioned by the escalating violence between his group and the Bloods, even hoping for a truce. Sadly, his life ended in a drive-by shooting, underscoring how deeply ingrained the feud had become.
Pop Culture Crossovers
In a bid to foster peace, Michael Jackson famously enlisted Bloods and Crips for his “Beat It” music video. The collaboration briefly highlighted a more hopeful side to street life—though gang tensions persisted well beyond the set.