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Abstract

The rise of allotment gardens at the end of the 19th century is directly connected with radical social changes in society. Industrialization, urbanizatiion and massive migration had serious effects on the way of living of the working class. New forms of industrial labour and miserable living conditions in the urban regions alienated the working class population from nature and natural living conditions. In search of nature and a better living, the proletarians founded allotment gardens to escape from urbanization and unhealthy housing conditions. Soon other allotment movements grew up as middle class movements and civil welfare institutions also became involved in it. They were all aware thaat to be out and moving in the open air and to be working in a garden had positive effects on the state of health and the physical condition. These leisure activities were a cheap and effective part of mental and physical recuperation for the working class members and relieved civil welfare institutions.