Early Life and Education of William F. Buckley Jr.: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of William F. Buckley Jr., highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

William F. Buckley Jr. was a prominent American conservative intellectual, author, and political commentator. He is best known for founding the conservative magazine *National Review* in 1955, which became a leading voice in American conservatism. Buckley was a gifted debater and public speaker, frequently appearing on television and in public forums to advocate for conservative principles. His influence helped shape the modern conservative movement in the United States, promoting free markets, limited government, and a strong national defense. He also wrote numerous novels and non-fiction books throughout his career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1920: Buckley's father expelled from Mexico

In 1920, William F. Buckley's father, an oil developer influential in Mexican politics, was expelled from Mexico when Álvaro Obregón became president.

November 24, 1925: William F. Buckley Jr. born

On November 24, 1925, William Frank Buckley Jr., later known as William Francis Buckley, was born in New York City. He became a prominent American conservative writer, public intellectual, political commentator, and novelist.

Others born on this day/year

1933: Birth of Maureen Buckley-O'Reilly

In 1933, Maureen Buckley-O'Reilly, one of William F. Buckley Jr.'s sisters, was born. She later married Gerald A. O'Reilly, CEO of Richardson-Vicks Drugs.

1943: Graduation from Millbrook School

In 1943, William F. Buckley Jr. graduated from the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York. That same year, Buckley was a member of the American Boys' Club for the Defense of Errol Flynn during Flynn's trial.

1943: Attended National Autonomous University of Mexico

William F. Buckley Jr. attended the National Autonomous University of Mexico until 1943, the year he graduated from the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School.

1945: Enrolled at Yale University

In 1945, after the war, Buckley enrolled at Yale University, became a member of the secret Skull and Bones society, and engaged in debate.

1947: Spanish instructor at Yale

In 1947, William F. Buckley Jr. began working as a Spanish instructor at Yale.

1950: Graduation from Yale University

In 1950, Buckley graduated with honors from Yale University, having studied political science, history, and economics.

1950: Graduated from Yale

In 1950, William F. Buckley Jr. graduated with honors from Yale University after engaging in debate and conservative political commentary during his time there.

1950: Marriage to Patricia Taylor

In 1950, William F. Buckley Jr. married Patricia "Pat" Taylor, the daughter of Canadian industrialist Austin C. Taylor.

1951: Ended instruction at Yale

In 1951, William F. Buckley Jr. ended his time working as a Spanish instructor at Yale.

1958: Death of William Frank Buckley Sr.

In 1958, William Frank Buckley Sr., father of William F. Buckley Jr., passed away. He was a lawyer and oil developer.

1959: Referenced in 'The Manchurian Candidate'

In 1959, William F. Buckley Jr. was referenced in Richard Condon's novel 'The Manchurian Candidate' as "that fascinating younger fellow who had written about men and God at Yale."

The Manchurian Candidate

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September 15, 1963: Birmingham Church Bombing

On September 15, 1963, white supremacists bombed a Birmingham church, resulting in the deaths of four African American girls. This event was a turning point for William F. Buckley Jr., who reportedly wept privately upon learning of the incident.

1964: Death of Maureen Buckley-O'Reilly

In 1964, Maureen Buckley-O'Reilly, sister of William F. Buckley Jr. and wife of Richardson-Vicks Drugs CEO Gerald A. O'Reilly, passed away.

1964: Buckley Accommodates Civil Rights Movement

In 1964, William F. Buckley Jr.'s writing began to grow more accommodating toward the civil rights movement. He ridiculed practices designed to keep African Americans off the voter registration rolls, condemned commercial establishments that declined service to African Americans, and showed little patience for Southern politicians who incited racial violence.

1965: Support for Marijuana Legalization

In 1965, during his candidacy for mayor of New York City, William F. Buckley Jr. supported the legalization of marijuana and some other drug legalization.

1970: Living in Switzerland

Beginning in 1970, Buckley and his wife lived and worked in Rougemont, Switzerland, for six to seven weeks per year.

1982: Adoption of Computers

In 1982, Buckley began writing on computers, starting with a Zenith Z-89, and developed a strong preference for the WordStar software.

1997: Publication of 'Nearer, My God'

In 1997, Buckley published 'Nearer, My God', where he criticized the Supreme Court's stance on religion in public schools and discussed liturgical reforms after the Second Vatican Council.

Nearer, My God

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2004: Buckley on neoconservatives

In 2004, Buckley commented on neoconservatives, describing them as bright, informed, and idealistic but overestimating U.S. power and influence.

December 3, 2007: Advocating for a tobacco ban

In his December 3, 2007, column, shortly after his wife's death, which he partially attributed to her smoking, Buckley seemed to advocate for banning tobacco use in America.

December 2007: Buckley's emphysema

In a December 2007 column, Buckley commented on his emphysema, attributing it to his lifelong smoking habit despite endorsing a legal ban on tobacco.

February 27, 2008: Death of William F. Buckley Jr.

On February 27, 2008, William F. Buckley Jr., the renowned American conservative writer, public intellectual, and political commentator, passed away, marking the end of a significant era in American conservative thought.