El cantón Bolivia o central durante el ciclo de expansión del nitrato

This article establishes the importance of the Central or Bolivia Canton during the nitrate expansion cycle (1880-1930). We define the canton concept and establish a new expansion period (1887-1920). We conclude that the Central Canton, in spite of its relevance in the 19^th Century, belonged to a late saltpeter district, Antofagasta. During the first decades of the 20^th Century, it shifted from being the least important of the five saltpeter districts (Tarapacá, Tocopilla, Antofagasta, Aguas Blancas and Taltal) to being one of the most significant.