Gangs of New York is set in 19th century. In this movie you are shown the Irish and Italian immigrants who organize gangs for control of the streets. The two main groups in the movie Gangs of New York are the Dead Rabbits and the Native Americans. Throughout the course of the movie the Civil War is taking place and there are various political and social matters at hand. The Irish immigration is a main factor through the movie as well.
At the opening of the movie the gang, Dead Rabbits, is preparing for a challenge against the Native Americans. After a brutal fight the Dead Rabbits leader is killed. Along with the death of the leader the gang is destroyed. The Butcher, named Bill, killed the rabbits leader and plays a very powerful role. He, like anyone else is all about profit. The Rabbits leader's son is taken away by Native Americans and locked up for fifteen years to be "educated". After this time Amsterdam, the son, returns to New York motivated to kill Bill in revenge. When first arriving in New York Amsterdam meets Johnny, who tried to save him from being taken away by the Natives. Amsterdam and Johnny become friends as they both work for the Native leader. The Native Leader and Amsterdam become closer. While Bill thought Amsterdam could be trusted, he finds out that he has been plotting to kill him. Once he finds this out, the odds are against Amsterdam. That is until he realizes with all the Irish immigrants bound together, it would be more like an army rather none-the-less a gang. Amsterdam tried to lead a new version of the Dead Rabbits gang.
As Amsterdam is introduced to the new way of life in New York he realizes that many previous members of the Dead Rabbits now hold important positions within the natives. One example of this is a good friend of the Rabbits leader becomes an officer, the strength of the city. The officer and the Natives leader work together to profit from the city's government.