Viscardo y Guzmán, Juan Pablo

"Juan Pablo Viscardo y Guzmán (Pampacolca, Arequipa, Perú, 26 de junio de 1748 - Londres, 10 de febrero de 1798) fue un jesuita y escritor criollo. Precursor de la Independencia hispanoamericana, fue autor de la célebre "Carta a los españoles americanos", documento publicado por primera vez en 1799, donde instaba a los hispanoamericanos a independizarse de la corona española, exponiendo una serie de argumentos que justificaban tal decisión. Ha sido reconocido por los historiadores reunidos en el tercer congreso de Historia de América realizado en Buenos Aires, como el “primer precursor ideológico de la independencia americana”."

"Juan Pablo Vizcardo y Guzmán (1748–1798) was a Peruvian Jesuit, writer and campaigner for Latin American independence. He is widely recognised as a precursor of Peruvian independence and more widely, as an ardent opponent of Spanish Colonialism in America. He played a crucial role in the development of British-Latin American relations. Born in Pampacolca District, Peru to a Spanish colonial family, he was expelled from his own country and forced to live in exile. In 1791 he came to London, sponsored by the British Government to give account of the development of Latin America’s pursuit of independence. Guzman wrote several important essays during his time in London promoting freedom for the Spanish Colonies, including “Letter to Spanish Americans” (1792) and “Peace and Prosperity in a New World” (1796), in which he criticises Spanish colonialism and its economic control. While living in London, Guzman met Francisco de Miranda who translated his key manuscripts. Juan Pablo Y Guzman died in London in 1798 at the age of 50. There is a memorial plaque at the site, which is now 185 Baker Street."