Lasting Legacy of William F. Buckley Jr.: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of William F. Buckley Jr. continue to shape the world today.

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

1945: Post-War Conservative Intellectual Tradition

In 1945, with the end of the war, postwar conservatism brought together libertarianism, traditionalism, and anticommunism. William F. Buckley Jr. was recognized for the fusion of these ideas.

1955: Founded National Review

In 1955, William F. Buckley Jr. established National Review, a magazine that became a significant voice in American conservatism by promoting fusionism.

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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1966: Firing Line Debut

In 1966, Buckley's weekly PBS show Firing Line debuted and continued until 1999, exposing many Americans to his erudite manner of speech and vocabulary.

1976: Smith Attempts Another Murder

In 1976, five years after being released from prison, Edgar Smith attempted to murder another woman in San Diego, California. He was sentenced to life in prison and admitted he murdered Zielinski. Buckley expressed regret at having believed and supported Smith.

1991: Burnham's Influence on Buckley

In 1991, it was found that James Burnham significantly impacted both National Review's editorial policy and William F. Buckley Jr.'s thinking, overcoming opposition from other editorial board members.

1999: Firing Line Ends

In 1999, Buckley's weekly PBS show Firing Line ended, concluding its run after debuting in 1966. The show exposed many Americans to his erudite manner of speech and vocabulary.

2004: Buckley Clarifies Earlier Comments on Race

In 2004, William F. Buckley Jr. clarified his earlier comments on race, saying, "[T]he point I made about white cultural supremacy was sociological." Buckley told Time, "I once believed we could evolve our way up from Jim Crow. I was wrong. Federal intervention was necessary."

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.

2008: Nash's assessment of Buckley's influence

In 2008, historian George H. Nash described William F. Buckley Jr. as arguably the most important public intellectual in the United States over the past half-century, highlighting his role as a leading voice of American conservatism.