William F. Buckley Jr. transformed American conservatism forever
- William F. Buckley Jr. was a key figure in the rise of the American conservative movement beginning in the 1950s.
- He founded the National Review in 1955 to promote conservative ideas and critiqued liberalism in his 1951 book.
- Buckley's work laid the foundation for future conservative leaders and remains impactful in today's political landscape.
William F. Buckley Jr. was a significant political commentator and the founder of the National Review, which began in 1955 to provide a platform for conservative ideas and debates. His book, published in 1951, titled 'God and Man at Yale,' critiqued liberalism at his alma mater, revealing a divide between traditional values and modern academic thought. Throughout his career, Buckley held firm beliefs that led him to oppose civil rights legislation and support segregation during the 1950s and 1960s, which shaped the direction of the Republican Party. Buckley’s intellectual approach established a cultural politics that continues to influence American conservatism today. Furthermore, his impact paved the way for later political figures, including Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, indicating that the principles he championed are still resonating within the Republican framework and broader societal discussions around education and elitism.