History

I am interested in Spanish history, and have just changed my profile pictures from Queen Isobel II to King Carlos III (1716-88). Carlos had been king of Naples and the Two Sicilies (1734-59) and of Parma and Piacenza (1731-35) prior to acceding to the Crown of Spain (1759-88). He was what would later be known as an Enlightened Despot, and the historian Stanley Payne says he was "Probably the most successful European ruler of his generation".
Carlos did much to rescue an archaic Spain from oblivion. His measures included the promotion of the arts and sciences, the expulsion of the Jesuits, and rendering the Inquisition completely powerless.
Although most of his other reforms proved short-lived, I do admire his vision and foresight.