Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies

Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, known as King Bomba (1810-1859), King of the Two Sicilies (1830-1859), son of King Francis I, whom he succeeded. His reign was marked by numerous insurrections, including one in Sicily early in 1848, which was followed by revolutions against autocratic rule in most parts of Europe. Although Ferdinand attempted at first to placate the insurgents by granting a reformed constitution, the failure of the revolutions in other countries encouraged him to reverse his stand. In 1849 he dissolved parliament, and later that year he authorized the bombardment of the rebellious cities of Sicily, an atrocity that earned him the nickname of King Bomba. His rule, characterized by terror and deceit, was supported by Austria but aroused protests from the governments of France and Britain. He was succeeded by his son Francis II, the last Bourbon ruler of Naples and Sicily.