Resident Evil Lore Part 2: The Agenda

The Umbrella Corporation is the heart of Resident Evil‘s lore, representing the ultimate embodiment of corporate greed, secrecy, and disregard for humanity. Beneath its façade as a pharmaceutical giant, Umbrella’s true purpose revolves around weaponizing biological research for profit and power. Here’s a deep dive into its unseen agenda:

1. The Origins of Umbrella

Umbrella was founded in 1968 by Oswell E. Spencer, Edward Ashford, and James Marcus. The company’s public image revolved around pharmaceuticals and medical advancements, but its secret objective was to develop Bio-Organic Weapons (BOWs) using the Progenitor Virus, discovered in Africa.

Key Motivations:

• Spencer’s Vision: Oswell E. Spencer dreamed of reshaping humanity through genetic engineering, aiming to create a “superior race.”
• Profit Through War: By selling BOWs to governments and private buyers, Umbrella sought to dominate the global arms market.

2. Research and Development

Umbrella’s bioweapons research began with the Progenitor Virus, a rare plant-based pathogen. This research led to the development of:

• T-Virus: Created by Spencer and Marcus, it was intended to produce controllable BOWs but resulted in uncontrollable mutations and zombies.
• Nemesis Program: A subset of T-Virus research that focused on creating intelligent and obedient BOWs, such as the Tyrant series.
• G-Virus: Pioneered by William Birkin, it allowed for continuous mutation and regeneration but was highly unstable.

Secret Facilities:

Umbrella maintained hidden research facilities worldwide, including:

• Arklay Research Facility (mansion lab): Site of the first T-Virus outbreak.
• Antarctic Base: Focused on advanced experiments and cryogenics.
• Raccoon City Laboratories: Central to G-Virus and Tyrant production.

3. The Unethical Experiments

Umbrella’s pursuit of power came at the cost of countless lives. Key examples include:

• Human Test Subjects: The corporation frequently used prisoners, employees, and civilians as unwitting test subjects.
• Project Wesker: An initiative to create genetically enhanced humans. Albert Wesker was one of its “successes.”
• BOW Development: Creatures like the Hunters, Lickers, and Nemesis were created to serve as weapons.

4. The Raccoon City Disaster

In 1998, Umbrella’s experiments led to a catastrophic outbreak of the T-Virus in Raccoon City. Despite efforts to contain the situation, the virus spread rapidly. Umbrella’s actions during this crisis revealed its true nature:

• Cover-Up Attempts: Umbrella actively sabotaged rescue operations to conceal its involvement.
• Sacrificing the City: The company orchestrated events that led to the U.S. government’s decision to destroy Raccoon City via nuclear strike.

5. The Fall of Umbrella

The Raccoon City incident marked the beginning of Umbrella’s decline:

• Legal and Financial Fallout: Survivors and whistleblowers exposed the company’s atrocities, leading to international lawsuits and bankruptcy.
• Umbrella’s Fragmentation: Rival organizations and black-market groups seized Umbrella’s research, perpetuating bioterrorism.

6. Umbrella’s Legacy

Even after its collapse, Umbrella’s shadow loomed large:

• Neo-Umbrella: A rogue faction led by Carla Radames sought to resurrect Umbrella’s ideals.
• Umbrella Corps: A paramilitary group aimed to reclaim the company’s tarnished image.
• BSAA: The Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance was founded to combat the spread of Umbrella’s bioweapons.

7. Hidden Philosophies

Umbrella’s actions were driven by Spencer’s belief in social Darwinism. He envisioned a world where only the strongest and most intelligent would survive, with Umbrella as the architect of this new order.

Symbolism:

• The Umbrella logo: A red-and-white parasol symbolizing shelter and safety, ironically juxtaposed against the corporation’s destructive practices.

Themes of the Unseen Agenda

Umbrella represents the dangers of:

• Unchecked Corporate Power: Profits were prioritized over human lives.
• Ethical Erosion: Scientists like Marcus and Birkin became consumed by ambition, disregarding morality.
• Global Consequences: Umbrella’s greed not only destroyed individuals but destabilized nations.