General Notes

Charles III (of Spain) (1716-88), king of Spain (1759-88) and, as Charles IV,
king of the Two Sicilies (1734-59). 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.