Charles III of Spain

Charles III (January 20, 1716 – December 14, 1788) was king of Spain 1759–1788 (as Carlos III de Borbon), King of the Two Sicilies 1735–1759 (as Carlo VII), and Duke of Parma 1732–1735 (as Carlo I). The first son of the second marriage of Philip V with Elizabeth Farnese of Parma, he was one of the so-called "enlightened monarchs".

Related Topics:
January 20 - 1716 - December 14 - 1788 - King of - Spain - 1759 - Two Sicilies - 1735 - Duke of Parma - 1732 - Philip V - Elizabeth Farnese - Parma - Enlightened monarchs

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It was his good fortune to be sent to rule as duke of Parma by right of his mother at the age of sixteen, and thus come under more intelligent influence than he could have found in Spain. On December 1, 1734 he made himself master of Naples and Sicily by arms. Charles had, however, no military tastes, seldom wore uniforms, and could, only with difficulty, be persuaded to witness a review. The peremptory action of the British admiral commanding in the Mediterranean at the approach of the War of the Austrian Succession, who forced him to promise to observe neutrality under a threat to bombard Naples, made a deep impression on his mind. It gave him a feeling of hostility to England which, in after-times, influenced his policy. In 1735, he resigned Parma to Emperor Charles VI in exchange for recognition as King of the Two Sicilies.

Related Topics:
Spain - December 1 - 1734 - Naples - Sicily - British - Admiral - Mediterranean - War of the Austrian Succession - England - 1735 - Emperor Charles VI

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As King of the Two Sicilies, Charles began there the work of internal reform which he afterwards continued in Spain. Foreign ministers who dealt with him agreed that he had no great natural ability, but he was honestly desirous to do his duty as king, and he showed good judgment in his choice of ministers. The chief minister in Naples, Tanucci, had a considerable influence over him.

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