Galactic Empire
The Galactic Empire, also known simply as the Empire, is a fictional autocracy featured in the Star Wars franchise. Introduced in the 1977 film Star Wars, it is the main antagonistic faction of the original trilogy, which also includes The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
The Galactic Empire is portrayed as an anthropocentric, imperialist, and bureaucratic dictatorship which seeks absolute rule and social control over every planet and civilization within the Star Wars galaxy ("the Galaxy"). The Empire pursues these goals by various means, including intimidation, coercion, expropriation, power projection, state terrorism, ethnic cleansing, and genocide.
The Galactic Empire's rise was not the result of a revolution or coup, but rather the culmination of gradual erosion of galactic institutions through the end of the Clone Wars, when Palpatine, the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, launched a self-coup. At its peak, the Galactic Empire sprawls over much of the Galaxy, which consists of millions of planetary systems and billions more fringe colonies, shipyards, fortress worlds, and outer territories.
In an attempt to destroy the Jedi and gain political power, Palpatine—secretly the Sith Lord Darth Sidious—falsely accuses the Jedi of inciting the secessionist Clone Wars. After manipulating the Galactic Senate into using clone troopers created during the conflict to purge the Jedi, Palpatine reorganizes the Republic into a state meant to "ensure the security and continuing stability, and a safe and secure society": the Galactic Empire, with himself as Emperor. The Senate overwhelmingly supports this decision and lauds his apparent resolve, bravery, and selflessness.
With Emperor Palpatine keeping mostly to the shadows, his Sith apprentice Darth Vader maintains a more public presence and leads the Imperial forces as a personification of the Galactic Empire's power. The completed construction of the Death Star, a planet-destroying battle station, ultimately empowers Emperor Palpatine to dissolve the Imperial Senate and transfer power to Praetor-officers called Imperial Moffs, such as Grand Moff Tarkin. But by the time of Episode IV – A New Hope, revolutionary insurgents organized the Rebel Alliance as a united front to overthrow what had become a totalitarian regime.
The Galactic Empire largely collapses following the events of Return of the Jedi, with its remnants forming a rump state as the First Order in the sequel trilogy, set 30 years later.
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