Explanation: Charles III first reigned as King of Naples (as Charles VII) and Sicily (as Charles III) from 1735 to 1759, before inheriting the Spanish throne in 1759.

Explanation: Charles III inherited the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1731 following the death of his childless grand-uncle, Antonio Farnese, not from his father, Philip V.

Explanation: Charles III ascended to the Spanish throne in 1759 upon the death of his childless half-brother, Ferdinand VI, not directly from his father, Philip V.

Explanation: Elisabeth Farnese was a highly influential and ambitious queen consort who actively pursued dynastic goals for her sons, significantly shaping Charles III's early career and securing titles for him.

Explanation: Charles III abdicated the crowns of Naples and Sicily to his third son, Ferdinand, to comply with the stipulations of the Third Treaty of Vienna, which prohibited the union of these crowns with the Spanish throne.

Explanation: The Third Treaty of Vienna stipulated that Charles III could not unite the Neapolitan and Sicilian crowns with the Spanish throne, necessitating his abdication of Naples and Sicily upon becoming King of Spain.

Explanation: Before ascending to the Spanish throne as Charles III, he reigned as Charles VII of Naples and Charles III of Sicily.

Explanation: The Treaty of Vienna in 1738 formally recognized Charles's claim to the thrones of Naples and Sicily, solidifying his rule after his conquest of the territories.

Explanation: The Third Treaty of Vienna (1738) mandated that the crowns of Naples and Sicily could not be united with the Spanish crown, requiring Charles to abdicate them upon his succession to Spain.

Explanation: Charles III championed enlightened absolutism and regalism, philosophies that advocated for rational governance and increased royal authority, often involving significant state intervention rather than minimal intervention or laissez-faire economics.

Explanation: The Bourbon Reforms were designed to centralize power within the Spanish Empire, enhance administrative efficiency, and strengthen royal authority over colonial territories.

Explanation: The 'Comercio Libre' policy, implemented under Charles III, aimed to liberalize trade within the Spanish Empire by allowing more ports to trade directly, thereby increasing revenue and countering illicit trade.

Explanation: The Bourbon Reforms encompassed a wide range of measures, including administrative restructuring, the establishment of new military forces, and efforts to enhance fiscal and economic efficiency across the Spanish Empire.

Explanation: Charles III's administration increased the sales tax (alcabala) in the colonies from 2% to 5% as part of efforts to raise revenue for defense and state expenses.

Explanation: The reign of Charles III fostered the development of 'Economic Societies,' which functioned as precursors to modern chambers of commerce, promoting economic development and industry.

Explanation: Charles III's reforms in Naples and Sicily, consistent with his broader political philosophy, aimed at strengthening royal authority and centralizing governance, not decentralizing it.

Explanation: Charles III was a proponent of enlightened absolutism, which emphasized rational governance and state modernization, and regalism, which asserted royal authority over ecclesiastical matters.

Explanation: A primary goal of the Bourbon Reforms was to strengthen the Spanish Crown's control over its colonies, improve administrative effectiveness, and enhance revenue collection.

Explanation: 'Comercio Libre' sought to stimulate commerce within the Spanish Empire by removing certain trade restrictions, thereby boosting economic activity and state revenue.

Explanation: José de Gálvez, as Minister of the Indies and Inspector General, was instrumental in implementing the 'intendancy' system and other reforms designed to centralize control and improve administration in New Spain.

Explanation: The 'Economic Societies' were established to foster economic progress by encouraging agricultural innovation, industrial development, and commercial exchange within Spain and its colonies.

Explanation: The 'Comercio Libre' policy was enacted to liberalize trade regulations within the Spanish Empire, aiming to boost legitimate commerce and reduce reliance on illicit trade networks.

Explanation: The Esquilache Riots of 1766 were primarily triggered by Charles III's attempt to enforce a new dress code, although underlying discontent with the minister Marquis of Esquilache and his reforms also contributed.

Explanation: Despite the presence of Freemasons in his court, Charles III was a devout Catholic and actively persecuted the organization, issuing edicts prohibiting Freemasonry.

Explanation: The expulsion of the Jesuits was motivated by a complex interplay of factors, including perceived political influence, loyalty concerns, and Charles III's broader regalist agenda to assert state authority over the Church, not primarily by tax issues.

Explanation: The 'Pragmatic Penalty of 1767' was the specific royal decree through which Charles III ordered the expulsion of the Society of Jesus from his territories, a key element of his regalist policies.

Explanation: The 'Spanish Black Codes,' such as the 'Código Negro Carolino,' were enacted during Charles III's reign to regulate slave populations and stratify social order, particularly in colonies like Santo Domingo, with the aim of increasing productivity.

Explanation: Charles III pursued regalist policies designed to assert state authority over the Church, which often involved limiting clerical privileges and reducing the Church's influence in state affairs.

Explanation: The immediate catalyst for the Esquilache Riots was the royal decree mandating changes in traditional attire, which was perceived as an infringement on custom and liberty.

Explanation: Charles III maintained a stance of persecution against Freemasonry, issuing prohibitions and aligning with papal directives against the organization, even as some members of his court may have been affiliated.

Explanation: The expulsion of the Jesuits and other measures aimed at curbing ecclesiastical privileges were central to Charles III's regalist agenda, which prioritized state sovereignty over Church influence.

Explanation: These codes were legal instruments designed to codify and control the status of enslaved populations and free people of color, thereby structuring labor relations and social hierarchy within colonial territories.

Explanation: The 'Pragmatic Penalty of 1767' was the formal decree issued by Charles III to enact the expulsion of the Jesuit order from Spain and its overseas territories.

Explanation: Regalism was the political doctrine and practice employed by Charles III, asserting the supremacy of royal authority over ecclesiastical matters and the Church's temporal affairs.

Explanation: Charles III supported the American revolutionaries for strategic geopolitical reasons, primarily to weaken Great Britain, rather than to promote republican ideals.

Explanation: The 'Family Compact' of 1761 was an alliance between Bourbon Spain and Bourbon France, designed to counter the growing global power of Great Britain.

Explanation: In the Treaty of Paris (1763), Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain. This concession was made in exchange for the return of Havana and Manila, which had been captured by the British.

Explanation: During the Falklands Crisis of 1770, Spain was compelled to retreat and relinquish its claim after expelling the British garrison, highlighting its diplomatic and military limitations against Great Britain at that time.

Explanation: Spain's participation in the American Revolutionary War led to the recovery of Menorca and West Florida, as confirmed by the Treaty of Paris (1783).

Explanation: The 'Family Compact' was a pact of alliance between the Bourbon monarchies of Spain and France, aimed at mutual support and countering shared adversaries.

Explanation: In the Treaty of Paris (1763), Spain ceded Florida to Britain but regained Havana and Manila, which had been captured by the British during the war. Spain also received French Louisiana.

Explanation: As part of the Treaty of Paris (1763) concluding the Seven Years' War, Spain ceded the territory of Florida to Great Britain.

Explanation: The alliance between Spain and France, known as the 'Family Compact,' was strategically formed to counterbalance the expanding influence and military might of Great Britain.

Explanation: The Treaty of El Pardo (1778) involved Spain acknowledging the westward expansion of Portuguese Brazil beyond previously established boundaries, in exchange for other territorial adjustments.

Explanation: While Charles III initiated significant construction projects, such as the Royal Palace of Caserta in Naples and various improvements in Madrid, the Palace of Versailles is located in France and was constructed by Louis XIV.

Explanation: Charles III declared the 'Marcha Real' as the official national anthem of Spain in 1770, contributing to the consolidation of national symbols.

Explanation: Charles III was a significant patron of archaeology and actively encouraged the systematic excavation of ancient Roman sites, including Herculaneum starting in 1738 and Pompeii in 1748.

Explanation: Charles III possessed diverse interests, including artistic pursuits like etching and painting, alongside a notable passion for hunting, which was a favorite pastime.

Explanation: Charles III supported the construction of buildings that would later house major art collections, including those that evolved into the Museo del Prado, thus playing a foundational role in its establishment.

Explanation: Charles III is credited with selecting the distinctive red and yellow colors and design for the current flag of Spain, aiming for a visually distinct national ensign.

Explanation: Charles III's reign in Naples and Sicily is noted for fostering a distinct Neapolitan identity and establishing a sovereign kingdom, marked by administrative reforms and cultural patronage.

Explanation: Charles III officially designated the 'Marcha Real' as the national anthem of Spain in 1770, contributing to the development of unified national symbols.

Explanation: Charles III was known to have a strong passion for hunting, which was considered his favorite pastime.

Explanation: Charles III's reign is often regarded as the 'apogee of empire,' representing a high point of Spanish imperial power and influence, characterized by significant reforms and renewed vigor.

Explanation: Historians frequently characterize Charles III's reign as the zenith of Spanish imperial power, a period marked by significant reforms and a resurgence of influence, often referred to as the 'apogee of empire'.