The expansion of Peruvian exports during the 1840s does help, finally, to stabilize the state, particularly under the statesmanlike, if autocratic, leadership of General Marshal Ramon Castilla (1845- 51, 1855-62).

Castilla's rise to power, coming as it did at the onset of the guano boom, marked the beginning of an age of unparalleled economic growth and increasing political stability that effectively ended the country's postindependence decline.

Indeed, to many observers, Peru during the so-called guano age (1845-70) seems uniquely positioned to emerge as the preeminent country in all of South America.