In this article we examine the evolution of a new technical cycle that meant the reinvention and continuity of the nitrate cycle in the areas of Toco and Tocopilla, with the hegemony of Tarapaca totally decentred in the world of nitrate. We studied the particularities of the technical system that constituted Guggenheim, located at first in the copper mine of Chuquicamata and in the thermoelectric plant of Tocopilla. We analyse the integral derivations of this new system that inaugurated a new cycle that had strong economic, corporate, technological and social impacts in the province of Tocopilla until today. We also examine the evolution of the various capitalist movements by the hand of some families who disputed the ownership of natural resources to participate in the world nitrate market and its numerous derivatives.
Keywords:
Guggenheim, nitrate, cycle, Tocopilla, Maria Elena, capitalism, SQM
Galaz-Mandakovic, D. (2018). From Guggenheim to Ponce. Technical system, capitalism and families in the long cycle of nitrates in El Toco and Tocopilla (1924-2015). Revista Chilena De Antropología, (37), 108–130. Retrieved from https://resonancias.uchile.cl/index.php/RCA/article/view/49486
