Changes

Although of low birth, Emma took to [[Naples]] quickly. Sir William Hamilton enjoyed collecting and cataloguing the many antiquities on the island, and he undertook Emma's education as diligently as any of his projects. She was tutored in Italian and French, and given dancing and singing lessons. About this time she became famous for her "attitudes" --a type of dance that re-created moments of history and antiquity using only a shawl to suggest location and costumes. After living with Hamilton for nearly seven years, he proposed to her, and she readily agreed. Their marriage was not assured, however, as Sir William first had to gain permission from his first cousin--the King of England. After journeying to England, they were allowed to marry, and returned to Naples the toast of the town.

Although of low birth, Emma took to [[Naples]] quickly. Sir William Hamilton enjoyed collecting and cataloguing the many antiquities on the island, and he undertook Emma's education as diligently as any of his projects. She was tutored in Italian and French, and given dancing and singing lessons. About this time she became famous for her "attitudes" --a type of dance that re-created moments of history and antiquity using only a shawl to suggest location and costumes. After living with Hamilton for nearly seven years, he proposed to her, and she readily agreed. Their marriage was not assured, however, as Sir William first had to gain permission from his first cousin--the King of England. After journeying to England, they were allowed to marry, and returned to Naples the toast of the town.

Naples was then under threat from Napoleonic forces. After declaring himself head of the French Directory, [[Napoleon Buonaparte]] had invaded all the countries that surrounded France and set up puppet kingships, rearranging the map to suit his needs. Originally intended to bring the ideas of "La Republique" to Europe, it soon became clear that Napoleon's true intention was to rule a unified Europe. In Naples, Queen Maria Carolina and King Ferdinand quarrelled over alliances: the Queen, who was the sister of Marie Antoinette, was all for an Austrian-English alliance, the King wished for a Spanish alliance. Emma Hamilton enjoyed no small amount of influence over the queen--they were confederates in practically everything, including political policy. When Spain declared itself an ally of France, the island of Naples found itself friendless, surrounded by the Mediterranean and hostile countries.

Naples was then under threat from Napoleonic forces. After declaring himself head of the French Directory, [[Napoleon Bonaparte]] had invaded all the countries that surrounded France and set up puppet kingships, rearranging the map to suit his needs. Originally intended to bring the ideas of "La Republique" to Europe, it soon became clear that Napoleon's true intention was to rule a unified Europe. In Naples, Queen Maria Carolina and King Ferdinand quarrelled over alliances: the Queen, who was the sister of Marie Antoinette, was all for an Austrian-English alliance, the King wished for a Spanish alliance. Emma Hamilton enjoyed no small amount of influence over the queen--they were confederates in practically everything, including political policy. When Spain declared itself an ally of France, the island of Naples found itself friendless, surrounded by the Mediterranean and hostile countries.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamilton, Lady Emma}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamilton, Lady Emma}}

[[Category:Women]]

[[Category:Women]]