Reevaluating the Collapse of the Aztec Empire
Meet history major Caz Barnum.
Hometown: Tigard, Oregon
Thesis adviser: Prof. David T. Garrett [history]
Thesis: “In the Company of the Marquis: Reevaluating the Collapse of the Aztec Empire”
What it’s about: My thesis analyzes how different 16th century groups in and around Mexico City thought about the destruction or collapse of the Aztec Empire. Conquistadors posit that they destroyed the Aztec Empire, while challenging claims from Indigenous authors state that a diverse set of Native groups contributed to its collapse as well. Each group wrote their chronicles to preserve their legacies and political power in Mexico.
What it’s really about: How groups in Mexico thought of the conquest varied drastically. Ultimately, understanding the conquest through conquistador eyes fails to capture its nuances.
Influential class: Prof. Josh Howe’s [history and environmental studies] Introduction to American Environmental History class introduced me to historical inquiry and thinking. For my final research project, I delved into the Reed newspaper archives to understand how Canyon Day changed over the decades, which made me confident in my historical abilities. He’s also an incredibly supportive and down-to-Earth teacher! He even offered to write me a letter of recommendation with only two days notice!
Extracurriculars: Every Thursday I would attend the Sobremesa, or after-dinner talk, and mingle with the Spanish Language Scholars. It was a great way to improve my Spanish and get closer to my discussion teachers!
Influential book: The summer after my sophomore year, I listened to 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created by Charles C. Mann on audiobook while working in the library. After reading it, I checked out every book I could on the conquest of Mexico and ended up writing my thesis on it! As a graduating library worker, the library offered to buy a book in my name for their collection and I chose one about the conquest. Hopefully it inspires someone the way 1493 inspired me!
How Reed changed me: Reed has given me confidence in myself and the comfort of knowing that I can do anything! Writing a thesis was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, and now that I’ve finished it I feel much better about accomplishing anything I want in life. As a Reed student, you come in as iron and leave as steel.
Help received along the way: Reed gave me a lot of financial aid which allowed me to get an excellent education without worrying about the strain it would have on me and my family.
What’s next: In August I leave for the PeaceCorps to teach Spanish literacy in the Dominican Republic for two years!
Tags: Academics, Students, Thesis, What is a Reedie?