proceeded to Naples with a French force in order to expel the
Bourbon dynasty from southern Italy, Napoleon adding the promise that
the Neapolitan crown would be for Joseph if he chose to accept it. The
conquest of the mainland was speedily effected, though Gaeta, Reggio and
the rock of Scylla held out for some months. The Bourbon court retired
to Sicily, where it had the protection of a British force. By the decree
of the 30th of March 1806 Napoleon proclaimed Joseph king of Naples, but
allowed him to keep intact his claims to the throne of France. In
several letters he enjoined his brother to greater firmness in his
administration: "These peoples in Italy, and in general all nations, if
they do not find their masters, are disposed to rebellion and mutiny."
The memoirs of Count Miot de Melito, whom Joseph appointed minister of
war, show how great were the difficulties with which the new monarch had
to contend--an almost bankrupt treasury, a fickle and degraded populace,
Bourbon intrigues and plots, and frequent attacks by the British from
Sicily. General Stuart's victory at Maida (July 3) shook Joseph's throne
to its base; but the surrender of Gaeta soon enabled Massena to march
southwards and subdue Calabria. During his brief reign at Naples, Joseph
effected many improvements; he abolished the relics of feudalism,
reformed the monastic orders, reorganized the judicial, financial and
educational systems, and initiated several public works. In everything
he showed his desire to carry out the aims which he expressed to his
consort in April 1806: "Justice demands that I should make this people
as happy as the scourge of war will permit."

From these well-meant, but not always successful, efforts he was
suddenly called away by Napoleon to take the crown of Spain (May 1808).
There his difficulties were far greater. Despite the benevolent
intentions announced to the Spaniards in his proclamation dated Bayonne,
23rd of June 1808, all reconciliation between them and the French was
impossible after Napoleon's treatment of their _de facto_ king,
Ferdinand VII. For the varying fortunes of King Joseph in Spain and in
the eventful years of the Peninsular War, see SPAIN and PENINSULAR WAR.
His sovereignty was little more than titular. Compelled to leave Madrid
hastily in August 1808, owing to the Spanish success at Baylen, he was
reinstated by Napoleon at the close of the year; and he was thereafter
kept in a subordinate position wh