Charles III 1716-88
King of Spain, and King Charles IV of Naples and Sicily

Born in Madrid, he was the younger son of Philip V, and succeeded his half-brother Ferdinand VI. He became Duke of Parma (1732), and in the War of the Polish Succession (1734) he became King Charles IV of Naples and Sicily. When he succeeded to the throne of Spain (1759) he handed over Naples and Sicily to his third son, Ferdinand I. During the Seven Years War (1756-63) he sided with France against Great Britain and lost Florida, but then regained it (1783) by siding with the Americans during the Revolution (1775-83). He gave the Spanish Empire better administration, fewer commercial restrictions, and greater security against attack. Frugal, informal, and disliking court ostentation, he chose effective ministers. At home he reformed the nation's economy, creating the conditions for industry to flourish. He strengthened the Crown's authority over the Church, ending the Inquisition (1767), and he expelled the Jesuits (1767). He was succeeded by his son, Charles IV.