The 19th century was a contrast from old to new, the old monarchies and feudal systems to the new capitalist world and democracy. The 19th century was the opening stage for the modern world. In general the nineteenth century represents Russia's "golden age of culture, and the Golden Age of Russian Literature has been dated roughly from 1820 to 1880 .Beginning in the1800s, Russia began to develop its own cultural life-primarily in literature, but also in the other arts and in the sciences. Despite an autocratic government and strict censorship, Russia's contributions to the intellectual history of Europe developed at a remarkable pace (Riasanovsky 348-351).

This essay will explore how Anton Chekhov was under the influence of his time while writing his play "Uncle Vanya" by examining social status, period of Russian expansion, industry and its related economy and music of the nineteenth century in Russia.

Prelude to Revolution...