"After the failure of the United Nations' New Energy Initiative in the mid-2050's, the focus of humanity turned away from renewable energy sources and similar efforts to revitalize the Earth. Instead, governments and megacorporations began to look into means of space travel - or, as it came to be known, 'space survival.' Aeronautical research experienced a rebirth unseen since the Space Race, and in the face of looming environmental devastation, mankind made the proverbial Giant Leap to Mars in 2064. By all appearances, the entirety of the human race would be living away from planet Earth by the end of the century.
"However, political unrest and economical crises rendered that dream inert. Besieged by civil war, the Americas were unable to offer monetary aid to Project Exodus, and with the absorption of many governments into the myriad megacorporations of the time, the rest of the world devolved into fractured states, bickering over territory and resources. This era of pseudo-feudalism plunged the world into nearly a century of cultural and technological stagnation. Any effort to leave Earth fell by the wayside.
"Fortunately, the lawlessness of the 2100s couldn't last forever. Starting in 2173, a group known as the Magna Carta began performing massive acts of corporate sabotage, culminating in a global, week-long Internet blackout that forced those in power to take the rebels seriously. Under the threat of total technological devastation, the Magna Carta demanded the resignation of all governmental CEOs and the return of democracy to the world. Begrudgingly, they complied.
"Exhausted by a hundred years of constant war, and scared by the rapid decline of Earth's natural resources, the people of the world accepted the formation of a global government and turned their eyes to the sky. Project Exodus once again became first priority in the scientific community, and with the launch of Icarus I in 2245, the evacuation of humanity began at last."
—Modern History, sixth grade level, 2246 edition
"In 2113, the Statute of Secrecy became the Statute of Seclusion.
"Under Muggle rule, the world had fallen into disrepair. Millions went hungry. Countless wars made orphans of countless children. Separated though we were, the toxic effects of their world steadily seeped into our own, and as we saw the planet dying around us, we decided that we had had enough.
"Many opposed the decision to completely cut off contact with Muggles. Some argued that it was morally wrong, that they were our brethren and that we could not say that we were superior. Some argued that it was simply impossible, given how widespread and invasive their influence was. Entire sects threatened to break away, refusing to follow the Statute at all. Under the guidance of Minister Centurius I, however, the wizarding world was unified and strengthened, and upon realizing exactly how repulsive the rest of the world had become, all wizards eventually moved into sequestered communities, free from desolation and squalor.
"One hundred and twenty years have passed since then. In that time, there has been no war or conflict. There has been no poverty, need, or suffering. As they continue to kill each other, we live in peace. We are not any less for their loss.
"Strength in unity. Strength in safety. Strength in seclusion. This will always be so."
—Skybourne Academy commencement address, Minister Xanthus Centurius II, 2249