Charles III (of Spain)

Charles III (of Spain) (1716-1788), king of Spain (1759-1788) and, as Charles IV, king of the Two Sicilies (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 the Two Sicilies, 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 toward Great Britain led to the alliance in support of the American Revolution.