Charles III
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: The 17th and 18th Centuries
- Categories: Government and Politics, Royalty, Rulers, Nobility
- Subcategories: Enlightenment, Kings, Queens, Kingdoms, Monarchy
- Curriculum: 18th Century European History, Spanish/Portuguese History
Article abstract: Charles III’s Bourbon Reforms rejuvenated the economic and political administration of Spain and its colonies. While upholding the doctrine of political absolutism, these reforms promoted Enlightenment ideals of humanitarianism, rationalism, and secularism in Spanish government and culture. As a consequence, Charles became the most successful of Europe’s “enlightened despots.”
Early Life
Charles was born in Madrid, Spain, on January 20, 1716, the first son of Phillip V of Spain and Elizabeth Farnese of Parma. He was born into...
[The entire page is 1729 words long]
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