How did Joseph Bonaparte and Joachim Murat reform the Kingdom of Naples?

The nine years of French rule in the Kingdom of Naples (1806–1815) under Joseph Bonaparte and Joachim Murat were a period of significant reform that left a lasting impact on the region.1

Reforms Under Joseph Bonaparte (1806–1808)

During his brief reign, Joseph Bonaparte focused on modernizing the state's foundational structures. His key reforms included:
* Abolishing feudalism: He dismantled the relics of the feudal system.2
* Institutional reorganization: He reformed the judicial, financial, and educational systems.2
* Religious reform: He implemented reforms regarding monastic orders.2

Reforms Under Joachim Murat (1808–1815)

Joachim Murat continued these efforts with a greater emphasis on administrative merit and economic development:
* Legal and Social: He introduced the Napoleonic Code and opened government administration to advancement based on merit.3
* Economic: He broke up vast landed estates and encouraged cotton growing. He also took effective measures to combat chronic brigandage.3
* Land Distribution: While he aimed to distribute small landholdings to peasants, these efforts were largely subverted by bourgeois notables (galantuomini) who purchased confiscated church and aristocratic lands.1
* Nationalism: Murat encouraged secret societies and fostered a sense of Italian nationalism, aiming to position himself as a leader for the future unification of Italy.3