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

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 8, 2025

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 played a significant role in shaping the modern conservative movement in the United States. As the founder and editor of the National Review, he provided a platform for conservative voices and ideas, influencing political discourse for decades. Buckley was also known for his eloquent writing style, debating skills, and his advocacy for limited government, free markets, and a strong national defense. He authored numerous books, essays, and articles, leaving a lasting legacy on American political thought.

Sections (5)

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

1945: Postwar Conservative Intellectual History

Since 1945, postwar conservatism brought together libertarianism, traditionalism, and anticommunism. William F. Buckley Jr. and National Review took the lead in the formulation of postwar conservatism.

1955: Founded National Review

In 1955, William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review, a magazine that played a significant role in the growth of the conservative movement in the United States.

1959: Reference in The Manchurian Candidate

In 1959, William F. Buckley Jr. was referred to 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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1964: Buckley Rule Stated

In 1964, Buckley first stated the "Buckley rule" during the Republican primary election featuring Barry Goldwater and Nelson Rockefeller. The rule states that National Review will support the rightwardmost viable candidate.

1966: Firing Line Premiere

In 1966, Buckley's weekly PBS show Firing Line premiered. For many Americans, it was their primary exposure to him and his manner of speech.

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 to also murdering Zielinski. Buckley expressed regret at having believed and supported Smith.

1999: Firing Line Ends

In 1999, Buckley's weekly PBS show Firing Line ended.

2004: Buckley's Retrospective Views on Civil Rights

In 2004, William F. Buckley Jr. told Time that he regretted not being more supportive of civil rights legislation in the 1960s and admitted he was wrong in believing that the nation could evolve its way up from Jim Crow without federal intervention. He also clarified his earlier comments on race, stating that his reference to white cultural supremacy was sociological.

2007: Buckley Writes About Mailer After His Death

After Norman Mailer's death in 2007, Buckley wrote warmly about their personal acquaintance, despite their past philosophical antipathy and mutual criticisms.

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

On February 27, 2008, William F. Buckley Jr., the influential American conservative writer, public intellectual, political commentator, and novelist, passed away.

2008: George H. Nash on Buckley's Importance

In 2008, historian George H. Nash described William F. Buckley Jr. as arguably the most important public intellectual in the United States of the past half-century, recognizing him as the preeminent voice of American conservatism for an entire generation.

2009: Publication of "Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir"

In 2009, Christopher Buckley published "Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir", in which he clarified the circumstances surrounding his father's death, revealing that William F. Buckley Jr. was found on the floor of his study rather than at his desk.

Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir

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2015: Best of Enemies Documentary Released

In 2015, the documentary Best of Enemies was released, chronicling the televised debates between Buckley and Gore Vidal in 1968.

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2020: Mighty Ira film release

In 2020, the film Mighty Ira was released, featuring William F. Buckley Jr.'s friendship with Ira Glasser, a Jewish American and former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

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