National Review Magazine was founded in 1955 by William F. Buckley Jr. The publication is largely credited with formalizing the modern conservative political platform. As the magazine reached readers across the country, it became a vehicle for spreading ideas, building support, and connecting like-minded individuals. In this inquiry, students will investigate the compelling question, “How do political movements gain momentum?”
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How do political movements gain momentum?
Standards
D2.His.1.9-12. Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place as well as broader historical contexts.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins with a collaborative source analysis activity in which students analyze an interview transcript related to William F. Buckley Jr.’s role in the growth of the conservative movement. Students work in small groups to identify the actions Buckley took to expand conservative ideas and influence American politics, recording their findings in a graphic organizer. After generating their list, students move to the deliberation stage by ranking Buckley’s actions from most to least effective in growing the conservative movement. The teacher may circulate throughout the activity, asking students to justify their rankings and prompting them to consider both short- and long-term impacts of each action. Students finish by producing an evidence-based claim that answers the compelling question.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: List the ways Buckley helped to grow the conservative movement.
DELIBERATE: Rank the generated list of actions from most to least effective.
PRODUCE: Write a claim that answers the compelling question.
Sources
Source A: “Sam Tanenhaus on His New Biography of William F. Buckley Jr.”, 2025, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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