A Continuation of the United States of America
The Enclave, a secretive deep state within the pre-War federal government, emerged as a fascist paramilitary organization claiming to be the continuation of the United States of America. With high-ranking political, military, and corporate figures leading the organization, the Enclave subverted the nation's continuity of government protocols to ensure their survival over that of other government officials.
Operating in near-total isolation after the Great War, the Enclave developed a xenophobic and nationalistic culture, viewing the wasteland inhabitants as degenerate mutants fit only for slave labor or extermination. They became the main antagonist in Fallout 2 and Fallout 3, and a joinable faction in Fallout 76.
Before the War, the Enclave was a cabal of powerful individuals from across the United States, including presidents, military officials, scientists, politicians, and wealthy industrialists. They were involved in deep conspiracies and secrets of the federal government, including covering up the existence of extraterrestrial life. The Enclave invested in various contingency measures to survive the coming war, including the presidential oil rig, Raven Rock, and the Kovac-Muldoon Platform.
The Enclave used Vault-Tec's network of underground shelters to conduct social experiments on the occupants. Their ultimate goal was to gather data to enable the creation of a multi-generational starship to settle another planet, as they believed Earth would be rendered uninhabitable by nuclear war.
With the world heading towards a nuclear confrontation, the Enclave retreated to fortified areas and remained hidden from the larger public. However, their secrecy was not perfect, and attempts were made to uncover their existence. Senator Sam Blackwell and reporter Mags Veccio were among those who exposed the Enclave to the public, leading to further investigations and confrontations.
The Great War in 2077 resulted in the destruction of the Old World and the creation of the post-atomic wasteland. The Enclave operated from the Control Station Enclave off the coast of California, but their isolation was marred by communication breakdowns. The Enclave's plans for the wasteland included using advanced technologies, such as power armor and Vertibirds, to establish territorial control and enforce their rule.
However, their plans were disrupted by the intervention of various factions, including the Brotherhood of Steel and the Lone Wanderer. The Enclave faced numerous defeats and setbacks, ultimately leading to the downfall of their major bases and the scattering of their forces.
By 2281, the Enclave's presence in the wasteland had largely faded, with remnants integrating into society or hiding on the fringes. The organization's once-powerful military might was reduced to scattered individuals and remnants of their advanced technologies.
While the Enclave's ideology and actions were reprehensible, their story remains an important part of the Fallout universe, highlighting the dangers of fascism and the potential abuse of power in a post-apocalyptic world.