Editing Fallout (franchise) (section)

====Lore====
Within series lore, it was developed before the Great War by a group of [[United States]] [[defense contractors]] called West Tek in response for the need for a "walking tank" for the United States mechanized cavalry. From 2065 to 2067, several failed prototypes were created, though this research led to the creation of a compact [[Fusion power|fusion]] cell. The fusion cells worsened relations with China, which was already facing an [[energy crisis]] due to over-dependence on [[fossil fuel]]s. China soon invades Alaska, and the Power Armor is deployed in 2067, proving extremely effective in battle. 2077 represents the pinnacle of Power Armor technology, with units capable of cutting a swath through the Chinese forces.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Chris Avellone |url=http://archive.org/details/falloutbiblecomplete |title=Fallout Bible |year=2002}}</ref> Their success on the battlefield ultimately prompts the Great War, a last-ditch [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear exchange]] between America and China later in 2077 that annihilates most of modern civilization, save for irradiated [[Ghoul (Fallout)|ghouls]] and those sheltering in the Vault Network.

The 2019 publication ''Fallout: A Tale of Mutation'' explained that within the context of series lore, the Power Armor represents pre-war [[North America]]n power, since every battle against the Chinese was fought by soldiers wearing the armor. Additionally, it is a reminder of how powerless the United States was to prevent its destruction at the hands of [[nuclear weapon]]s.<ref name=":2"/>

Post-war, Power Armor is most widely used by the [[Brotherhood of Steel]], a cult-like organization that collects and preserves technology.<ref name=":4" />