Charles III (1716-1788)

King of Spain from 1759. Son of Philip V, he became duke of Parma in 1732 and conquered Naples and Sicily in 1734. On the death of his half-brother Ferdinand VI (1713-1759), he became king of Spain, handing over Naples and Sicily to his son Ferdinand (1751-1825). At home, he reformed state finances, strengthened the armed forces, and expelled the Jesuits. During his reign, Spain was involved in the Seven Years' War with France against England. This led to the loss of Florida in 1763, which was only regained when Spain and France supported the colonists during the American Revolution.