The Enlightened Despot who reformed Spain, promoting education, arts, and economic growth, and is credited with modernizing Madrid.
Charles III of Spain, also known as Carlos Sebastián de Borbón y Farnesio, is renowned for his progressive reign as King of Spain from 1759 to 1788, as well as his earlier roles as Duke of Parma and Piacenza, King of Naples, and King of Sicily. This visionary leader is celebrated for his advocacy of enlightened absolutism and regalism, which brought about significant reforms and modernization to the Spanish Empire.
Born on January 20, 1716, Charles III was the fourth son of Philip V of Spain and Elisabeth Farnese. At the tender age of 15, he became Duke of Parma and Piacenza following the death of his childless granduncle Antonio Farnese. In 1734, at just 18 years old, Charles led Spanish troops in a bold and almost bloodless conquest of the Kingdom of Naples and Kingdom of Sicily, enforcing the Spanish claim to their thrones.
In 1738, Charles married the educated and cultured Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony, with whom he had 13 children, eight of whom reached adulthood. During his 25-year rule in Italy, Charles gained valuable experience that prepared him for his future role as monarch of the Spanish Empire. Upon succeeding to the Spanish throne in 1759, following the death of his childless half-brother Ferdinand VI, Charles implemented far-reaching reforms to increase the flow of funds to the crown and defend against foreign incursions on the empire.
Although Charles III did not achieve complete control over Spain's finances and was sometimes obliged to borrow to meet expenses, his reforms had a profound impact on the Spanish Empire, laying the groundwork for modernization and growth.
Charles III's reign is remembered for its progressive and enlightened approach, which brought about significant social, economic, and cultural changes to the Spanish Empire. His policies paved the way for future generations and influenced the development of modern Spain.
As a testament to his legacy, Charles III's impact can be seen in various aspects of Spanish society, including education, science, and the arts. His commitment to the Enlightenment and enlightened absolutism continues to inspire awe and admiration, solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in Spanish history.
Through his remarkable life and reign, Charles III of Spain left an indelible mark on the Spanish Empire, earning his place as one of the most influential and enlightened monarchs in Spanish history.
Born in 1713
King of Spain from 1746 to 1759, known for his cultural and economic reforms, and for being the first Spanish monarch to visit Catalonia in over a century.
Born in 1830
Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868, known for her tumultuous reign marked by political instability, corruption, and social unrest. She was eventually exiled to France after a revolution.
Born in 1886
The last Bourbon king of Spain, ruling from 1886 to 1931, known for his tumultuous reign marked by political instability, economic struggles, and the loss of Spain's last colonies.
Born in 1886
The last Bourbon king of Spain, ruling from 1886 to 1931, known for his tumultuous reign marked by political instability, economic struggles, and the loss of Spain's last colonies.
Born in 1710
The monarch who ruled France from 1715 to 1774, known as the "Sun King's" great-grandson, and remembered for his extravagance, absolutism, and the decline of the French monarchy.
Born in 1661
The last ruler of the Spanish Empire's Habsburg dynasty, known for their physical and mental disabilities, which led to a decline in the empire's power and eventual downfall. They are infamous for their inbreeding and the subsequent weaknesses it brought to the throne.
