The Bourbon Rulership of Naples: A Complex Historical Journey

The rulership of Naples by the Bourbons was the result of a complex series of events, primarily driven by the Spanish Succession and subsequent conflicts in Europe. This article delves into the historical context and key events that led to the establishment and maintenance of Bourbon rule in Naples.

The Spanish Succession and Its Implications

The Spanish Succession was a pivotal event that altered the political landscape of Europe. Charles II of Spain, the last Habsburg monarch, died without an heir in 1700. His death triggered a succession crisis that set the stage for an extended period of conflict involving several European powers. Charles II was the half-brother of Louis XIV of France, leading to a potential French claim to the Spanish throne.

Charles II named Philippe, Duke of Anjou, as his heir. However, France issued Letters Patent, effectively claiming Philippe’s status as a natural Frenchman and his potential claim to the French throne. This unilateral action by Louis XIV fueled resistance and led to the War of the Spanish Succession, which lasted from 1701 to 1714.

The Treaty of Utrecht and Its Consequences

The Peace of Utrecht, signed in 1713, recognized Philip V, son of the Duke of Anjou, as King of Spain. However, Philip V was forced to cede territories such as Menorca, Gibraltar, and parts of the Spanish Netherlands to Britain, and he lost Naples and Sicily to the Austrian Habsburgs.

Philip V initially ruled Spain and then briefly from 1714 to 1720, he held the title of King of Naples upon the death of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor. Charles VI swapped Sicily for Sardinia, but in 1734, he would be replaced in Naples by the Bourbon Charles I of Parma.

The Rise of Bourbon Rule in Naples

The War of the Polish Succession in 1734 reignited European tensions, leading to the reestablishment of Bourbon rule in Naples. Charles I, a member of the fourth son of Philip V, invaded Naples in 1734 with the support of French and Spanish forces. He marched towards Naples with victory, and after Ruffo-Nono, the French and Spanish forces conquered Reggio Calabria, L'Aquila, and Pescara.

Acccording to the Treaty of Vienna in 1735, Charles I was recognized as King of Naples (Charles VII) and Sicily (Charles III), thus reasserting Bourbon rule over the Kingdom of Naples. This period saw an uninterrupted Bourbon rule, with brief interruptions, until 1861 when the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was created.

The Succession and Legacy of Bourbon Rulership

Charles, who became King of Naples in 1734, was the seventh King of Naples but did not style himself Charles VII. Instead, he was known simply as Charles of Bourbon. He faced no immediate prospect of ruling Spain due to his older half-brother Ferdinand VI. However, when Ferdinand VI died in 1759, Charles became Charles III of Spain and abdicated his thrones in Naples and Sicily to his third-born son, Ferdinand.

The reign of the Bourbons in Naples was marked by strategic alliances and territorial exchanges, ultimately solidifying their rule for over a century. The Bourbon kings brought stability and prosperity to the region, ensuring the continuation of Bourbon rule in Naples.