Galactic Empire

The Galactic Empire was a Fascist Regime headed by Emperor Sheev Palpatine / Darth Sidious. The Empire lasted only around 25 years, but in that time it's grip on the Galaxy was near absolute.

Transition from Democracy to Fascism
It was the direct successor of The Galactic Republic which slowly had become more autocratic during the Clone Wars - a conflict masterminded by Palpatine to grant him more emergency powers.

In 19 BBY (3 ABG), following the Jedi Coup, Palpatine declared the formation of the first Galactic Empire.

Military Industrial Complex
The Empire had nationalized many major ship-building industries allowing it to build a massive fleet that spanned from the Core Worlds to the Outer Rim.

Abolishing the Senate
As well, in 0BBY the Imperial Senate - which itself had been a puppet governing body to make worlds loyal to the Empire given the illusion they had influence - was abolished, ceremonially completing Palpatine's totalitarian rule.

Death of The Emperor and Subsequent In-Fighting
After Palpatine's death at the Battle of Endor, the Empire broke into various factions - sometimes referred to collectively as the Imperial Remnant - Warlord control zones (mostly former Moffs) that fought both amongst themselves and the forces of the Rebellion / New Republic. The most prominent of these Imperial Warlords was Grand Admiral Thrawn who not only challenged the New Republic, but presented a great threat to the newly founded government.

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