Charles III (of Spain)

Charles III (of Spain) (1716-1788), King of Spain (1759-1788) and, as Charles VII, King of Naples and Sicily (1734-1759). He was the son of Philip V, King of Spain. Charles became Duke of Parma in 1731. In that capacity he conquered the kingdom of Naples and Sicily, which he ruled as Charles IV. During his rule of Spain, Charles promoted agriculture and commerce, established military academies, strengthened the navy, reformed the fiscal administration, curbed the Inquisition, and expelled the Jesuits. His friendship with France and hostility towards Great Britain led to the alliance in support of the American War of Independence.