Death of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and accession of Francis I

Background. Ferdinand I had ruled the Two Sicilies since 1816, following earlier reigns as King of Naples and Sicily. He was restored to power in 1815 after the Napoleonic Wars. Francis, born in Naples, became heir-apparent in 1778 after his brother Carlo died. He assumed the title Duke of Calabria in 1816 when the kingdoms were incorporated.

Succession. Francis I succeeded to the throne in 1825. He pursued a conservative course immediately upon accession. His reign lasted until 1830. The succession followed the established line, with Francis having been the designated heir-apparent for decades. The transition occurred in Naples, the capital of the unified kingdom.

Political Context. The death of Ferdinand I occurred in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, during which he had been deposed twice. Francis had previously served as regent of Sicily from 1806 to 1814. The succession solidified the Bourbon rule in the Two Sicilies, with Francis continuing the conservative policies of his father.