The Great War: Unraveling the Mystery of Who Dropped the Bombs in Fallout

In the Fallout universe, the question of who initiated the devastating nuclear exchange known as the Great War is a complex one, shrouded in propaganda and conflicting accounts. However, based on in-game lore, developer statements, and logical deductions, the prevailing consensus points to China as the nation that launched the first nuclear missiles against the United States. This act, a desperate response to escalating tensions and the perceived threat of American bio-weapons development, triggered a global nuclear holocaust that reshaped the world as we know it in the Fallout universe.

The Evidence and the Contradictions

While early concepts, like the scrapped Fallout film script, toyed with the idea of Vault-Tec orchestrating the nuclear war, this has been largely disregarded as non-canon. The narrative strongly suggests a culmination of geopolitical events led to the fateful exchange.

• Developer Confirmation: Fallout creator Tim Cain explicitly stated in a 2023 interview that China fired the first nuclear missile. This confirmation from a key figure in the franchise’s development lends significant weight to the theory.

• The FEV Factor: Cain further explained that China’s decision to launch was provoked by the United States’ development of the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV). China viewed this as a violation of international agreements and a dangerous escalation, leading them to believe a preemptive strike was necessary.

• In-Game Lore: Throughout the Fallout games, dialogue, terminals, and environmental storytelling consistently hint at China’s role in initiating the nuclear attack. Propaganda posters and historical accounts within the game world often depict China as the aggressor.

The Sino-American Conflict: A Prelude to Annihilation

The seeds of the Great War were sown long before October 23, 2077. A global energy crisis, coupled with resource scarcity, fueled international tensions. The Sino-American War, a protracted conflict over dwindling resources, had already been raging for over a decade.

Resource Wars and Geopolitical Instability

• European Resource Wars: The crisis extended beyond the US and China. Europe, desperate for resources, invaded the Middle East, leading to a limited nuclear exchange after a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv. This further destabilized the global order.

• American Imperialism: The United States, facing its own resource shortages, annexed Canada to secure access to its natural resources, sparking resentment and contributing to the overall atmosphere of distrust and hostility.

The Role of Vault-Tec

While Vault-Tec didn’t launch the first bomb, their role in the pre-war world shouldn’t be overlooked. As a massive corporation contracted by the US government, they built the Vaults under the guise of providing shelter from nuclear fallout. However, many of these Vaults were, in reality, elaborate social experiments designed to study human behavior under extreme conditions.

Vault-Tec’s Sinister Experiments

• Unethical Research: The experiments conducted within the Vaults were often cruel and unethical, subjecting residents to psychological manipulation, genetic engineering, and other forms of abuse.

• Long-Term Impact: The legacy of Vault-Tec’s experiments is evident throughout the Fallout universe, shaping communities and societies long after the Great War.

The Aftermath: A World Transformed

The Great War lasted a mere two hours, but its consequences were catastrophic. The world was plunged into a nuclear winter, civilization collapsed, and new societies emerged from the ashes.

The Rise of New Factions

• The Enclave: A remnant of the pre-war US government, the Enclave seeks to restore America to its former glory, often through ruthless means.

• The Brotherhood of Steel: A quasi-religious organization dedicated to preserving pre-war technology, the Brotherhood of Steel maintains a strict code of conduct and often clashes with other factions.

• Various Wasteland Communities: Numerous smaller communities and settlements sprang up across the wasteland, each with its own unique culture, values, and struggles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the events surrounding the Great War and its aftermath:

1. Was the entire world nuked in Fallout?

Yes, according to the lore, virtually every country on Earth suffered nuclear devastation during or before the Great War.

2. Did any country survive the Great War intact?

No. While remnants of governments and military organizations may have survived, no major nation emerged from the Great War unscathed.

3. Why did China attack the United States?

China’s attack was driven by escalating tensions, resource scarcity, and the perceived threat of the United States’ development of the FEV.

4. What is the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV)?

FEV is a bio-weapon developed by the United States. In some cases, it can lead to the creation of Super Mutants.

5. What was Vault-Tec’s role in the pre-war world?

Vault-Tec was a corporation contracted by the US government to build Vaults, ostensibly to protect citizens from nuclear fallout. However, many Vaults were used for unethical social experiments.

6. Is Vault-Tec evil?

While Vault-Tec served its purpose during a global crisis, the corporation’s experiments and disregard for human life certainly indicate unethical and, arguably, evil practices.

7. What year is Fallout set in?

The Fallout series spans multiple years, but the Great War occurred on October 23, 2077. The first game is set in 2161, approximately 80 years later.

8. Did World War 2 happen in the Fallout universe?

Yes, World War 2 occurred in the Fallout timeline, although the timeline diverged significantly after the war.

9. Are Deathclaws man-made?

Yes, Deathclaws were originally engineered by the U.S. government as replacements for human soldiers.

10. Who is the most evil character in Fallout 4?

This is subjective, but many players consider Shaun, the main antagonist also known as Father, to be one of the most evil characters in Fallout 4 due to his callous manipulation and disregard for human life.

11. Who is the most powerful protagonist in Fallout?

Many consider The Chosen One from Fallout 2 to be the most powerful protagonist, as they are canonically able to defeat Frank Horrigan, a heavily augmented Enclave soldier.

12. What is the weakest enemy in Fallout 76?

While enemy strength varies with level, some of the weakest enemies in Fallout 76 include Bloatflies, Rats, and Mole Rats.

13. Was China wiped out in the Fallout universe?

Yes, China was devastated by nuclear attacks during the Great War and became a nuclear wasteland.

14. Is the Sole Survivor (Fallout 4) a synth?

No, the Sole Survivor is not a synth. Their backstory and role in the story confirm their human origin.

15. What caused the apocalypse in Fallout?

The apocalypse was caused by the Great War, a global nuclear exchange that occurred on October 23, 2077, lasting less than two hours.

Understanding the complex history of the Fallout universe, including the events leading up to the Great War and its aftermath, can enhance your appreciation of the games. The narrative explores themes of survival, morality, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement, making it a captivating and thought-provoking experience. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming and its impact on learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.