THE ESQUILACHE RIOTS

Marquis of Esquilache, a Neapolitan minister whom Charles favored.

• Esquilache's plan was to substitute the long capes and broad-brimmed hats (chambergos) worn by madrileños with French-style short capes and three-cornered hats, in an attempt to "Europeanize" and modernize Spain.

• The long capes were thought to facilitate the concealment of weapons, while the large hats were thought to conceal a person's face, a safeguard for criminals.

The rioters' demands included:

That the minister Esquilache and all of his family leave Spain.

That there only be Spanish ministers in the government.

That the Walloon Guard be disbanded. (The Walloon Guard was formed by soldiers from Belgium).

  That the price of basic goods be lowered.

That the Juntas de Abastos be suppressed.

That the troops withdraw to their respective headquarters.   That the use of the long cape and broad-brimmed hat be permitted.   That His Majesty show himself and speak from his own mouth his desire to

fulfill and satisfy these demands.

CHARLES III PUT DOWN THE UPRISING BUT ESQUILACHE WAS REMOVED FROM HIS POSITION.

Activities to consider this event deeply:

1. After having read the rioters demands, write a paragraph explaining the real causes of the Riot.

2. Remember the name of another Spanish king that liked to hire foreigner ministers and secretaries. Explain if one of the uprisings that he had to face was similar to Esquilache Riots.

3. Did Charles III continue with his reforms? List them.