The historical context of the critical reception of Modern Painters I is that of revolution and reform. The Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829 and the Reform Act in 1832 gave qualified recognition to demands for a more democratic and tolerant society, averting revolution while leaving the aristocracy and the Church of England in power. Discontent with this limited reform prompted the formation of the Chartist Movement and the Anti-Corn Law League, and the intensification of rivalry between Whigs and Tories.
Demands for the reform of the Church of England led to the founding of the Oxford Movement in 1833. The concept of a state religion came under increasing attack from nonconformist groups, who campaigned for the disestablishment during the 1840s (see periodicals of dissent). Growing antipathy to Catholicism characterised the 1840s and 1850s, following the granting of financial assistance to the Catholic Church in 1845, and restoration of English Catholic bishoprics in 1850.