The Bourbon dynasty played a pivotal role in the history of the Kingdom of Naples from the 18th to the 19th century. Their rise began with Charles of Bourbon, who became the king of Naples and Sicily in 1734, establishing an independent monarchy from Spanish domination. Under his reign, Naples experienced a period of significant economic, cultural, and architectural development, with projects like the construction of the Capodimonte Palace and the San Carlo Theatre.
His successors, including Ferdinand IV (later Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies), continued this tradition, though their rule was marked by turmoil due to the Napoleonic invasions and revolutionary movements. Ferdinand IV's flight to Sicily during Napoleon's occupation of Naples highlighted the monarchy's fragility, but also the resilience of the Bourbons, who managed to re-establish their control after Napoleon's fall.
In 1816, with the merger of the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was born, marking the height of Bourbon power in the region. Despite reforms undertaken, the Bourbon dynasty was constantly challenged by internal tensions and the growing movement for Italian unification. Their fall in 1860, with the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, marked the end of an era, but their influence on culture, architecture, and southern society remains a lasting legacy.
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