Galactic Republic

Content approaching. Parts of this article are no longer up to date. This article needs updating from multiple sources. Click the dropdown below to see the full list. Sources The High Republic: Convergence,The High Republic: Path of Deceit,The High Republic: The Battle of Jedha,The High Republic — The Blade 1,Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures,The High Republic: Path of Vengeance,The High Republic: Cataclysm,The High Republic: Quest for Planet X,Starlight: Part One: Go Together,The High Republic: Light of the Jedi,The High Republic: A Test of Courage,Starlight: Go Together,The High Republic: The Rising Storm,The High Republic: Race to Crashpoint Tower,The High Republic: Out of the Shadows,The High Republic: Tempest Runner,The High Republic Adventures: Galactic Bake-Off Spectacular,The High Republic: Mission to Disaster,The High Republic: Midnight Horizon,The High Republic: The Fallen Star,The High Republic – Shadows of Starlight 2,The High Republic – Shadows of Starlight 1,The High Republic: Eye of the Storm 2,Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror,Tales from the Occlusion Zone: No Big Deal,The High Republic: Escape from Valo,The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness,The High Republic Adventures (2023) 1,The High Republic Adventures (2023) 3,The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3,The High Republic: Temptation of the Force,The High Republic: Beware the Nameless,The High Republic: Into the Light,Star Wars Helmet Collection 17,Star Wars Helmet Collection 22,Justice,Choices,Queen's Peril,Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss,Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade,Queen's Hope,Brotherhood,Hyperspace Stories 11,Hyperspace Stories 1,Hyperspace Stories 5,The Eye of the Beholder,Galactic Tales: From The Shadows Come The Kran,Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales,Unlimited Power,Nexus of Power,Queen's Shadow,Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel,Hyperspace Stories 10,Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear,Tipping Point,Shadow Fall: An Alphabet Squadron Novel,TIE Fighter Owners' Workshop Manual,Rise of the Separatists,Collapse of the Republic,Dooku: Jedi Lost,Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising,Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good,Obi-Wan 3,Star Wars: Yoda: Size Matters Not,Halcyon Legacy 3,The Star Wars Book,Star Wars: The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi,Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia,Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire,Star Wars Bestiary, Vol. 1: Creatures of the Galaxy,The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic: Volume II Please update the article to include missing information, and remove this template when finished.

Galactic Republic

TheGalactic Republic, also known as theGrand Republic or simply as theRepublic, was ademocraticfederal union spread acrosslight-years ofspace. Due in part to its long history, different names were used for bygone incarnations or eras of the Republic. TheOld Republic and thefirst Galactic Republic were terms affixed to the original incarnation of the Republic that existed until itsfall to theSith Empire, which in turn fell in1032 BBY, leading to the restoration of the Republic in that year. Later, the modern Republic that had been supplanted by theGalactic Empire in19 BBY was also referred to as the Old Republic. Additionally, theHigh Republic was a term used to describe the modern Republic during theera in which it had reached the zenith of its power, which lasted from around500 BBY to around100 BBY.

The Republic was originally founded manymillennia before theBattle of Yavin, approximately around25,000 BBY to20,000 BBY. TheGalactic Senate governed the Republic under theGalactic Constitution, and comprised thousands ofsenators representing the Republic's member worlds. TheSupreme Chancellor was the title of the head of the Republic, elected from ranks of the Senate to lead the government onCoruscant. Anecumenopolis orcity-coveredplanet, referred to asGalactic City, Coruscant was thecapital of the Republic and therefore theseat of the Senate.

The Galactic Republic and itstar systems shared sovereignty, and spanned a multiplicity of worlds from theCore Worlds to theOuter Rim Territories, uniting a variety ofsentientspecies,human andalien alike, underone banner. As its power grew, the Republic fought many wars against various opponents such asMandalorians, theZygerrian Slave Empire, theNihil, and severalSith Empires. TheJedi Order, areligious group ofForce-sensitives dedicated to thelight side of the Force, was sworn to the service of the Senate, and as such theJedi Knights were hailed as the guardians of peace and justice within the Republic.Centuries of conflict culminated in thefall of the Old Republic, and thelast war between the ancient Jedi andSith concluded with the restoration and rise of the modern Galactic Republic, ushering in theRepublic Era which was an age of peace that lasted for a thousandyears. The Republic'shistory was officially reset, and the ages before this event were merged into a collective whole known as theOld Republic-era.

The Republic entered a period of decline after centuries of expansion and prosperity. Aided by theresurgentSith Lords, theSeparatist Crisis divided the galaxy between the Republicloyalists and theConfederacy of Independent Systems. TheGrand Army of the Republic was organized under the leadership ofJedi Generals who led theRepublic Military against theSeparatist Droid Army during theClone Wars. However, the conflict had beenorchestrated to allow Supreme ChancellorSheev Palpatine—the alter ego ofDarth Sidious, theDark Lord of the Sith—to control and deceive the Republic in adictatorial manner. With theend of the war, Sidious initiated theGreat Jedi Purge throughOrder 66 and transformed the Republic into the Galactic Empire bydeclaring himselfGalactic Emperor. TheImperial Senate stood as the last remnant of the Old Republic until it wasdisbanded by theEmperor at the height of theImperial Era. In the aftermath of theGalactic Civil War, theAlliance to Restore the Republic was fullyreorganized into theNew Republic, restoring the Galactic Republic after a generation ofImperial rule.

History[]

Birth of freedom[]

The originalGalactic Republic was formed between approximately25,000 BBY^[12][13] and20,000 BBY^[14] and rose to power by expanding acrossthe galaxy,^[16] with several of its founding members being theplanetsAlderaan^[20] andChandrila.^[21] Around20,019 BBY, theThisspiasianBlood Monarchy joined the Galactic Republic in its early formation.^[22] Multiple versions of the Republic existed throughout its extensivehistory;historians referred to this pre-modern period as the "Old Republic,"^[16] although the government's official name was the Galactic Republic.^[23] Thecapital of the Old Republic was located on anecumenopolis known asCoruscant and would remain there for thousands ofyears.^[24]

At one time, Coruscant's fellowcity-world ofTroithe rivaled it as the Republic's cosmopolitan center, holding a population in the billions. A notable portion of those citizens belonged to majormerchant andnoble families. However, Coruscant ultimately outpaced Troithe in industrial growth. As years passed, Troithe fell into decline.^[25] At least fivemillennia before the start of theGalactic Civil War,^[26] arogue faction ofJedi broke away from theJedi Order, believing that practicing thedark side of the Force would benefit the furthering of Jedi power. This schism divided the Order on ideological grounds, igniting an event known as theHundred-Year Darkness, which, in turn, resulted in the formation of theSith.^[27] At one point, they managed to construct adark shrine on Coruscant. The rogue faction was ultimatelydefeated, and they wereexiled from the Old Republic into unchartedspace.^[5]

At some point, theJedi Temple was constructed over the Sith shrine in order to contain its dark energy.^[5] Once it had established itself on Coruscant, the Jedi Order closely associated itself with the Old Republic, serving as guardians of the peace and justice for over a thousand generations.^[19] Little did the Jedi know, the Sith had regrouped on the planetMoraband.^[27]

Thousands of years before theImperial Era, theCorellian royalty sponsored exploration and colonization efforts that helped expand the frontiers of the Old Republic.^[28]Hyperspace travel would prove to be the key to the Republic's expansion beyond theCore Worlds.^[6]

A clash of destinies in the galaxy[]

As the Old Republic spread its influence across thestars, it came into contact with various other powers, one of them being theZygerrian Slave Empire. Due to the fact that, at some point in its past, the Old Republic declaredslavery illegal and expected other civilizations of the galaxy to comply, it took an aggressive stance against theZygerrians. The Zygerrian Empire, which was built upon slavery, refused to comply, forcing both the Old Republic and the Jedi to intervene. After joining together, the Old Republic and Jedi Order sent theirarmiesagainst the empire after the Zygerrians refused. The Old Republic ultimately came out victorious, driving the practice of slave trading into the underworld, dismantling the empire, and confining what was left of its government toZygerria, the civilization'shomeworld.^[29] Another one was the roguePredori empire.^[30]

Eventually, the Sith would return in full strength, invading the Old Republic. From there, the dark Order would do battle with the Jedi and the Old Republic. This would lead to a series of conflicts between both groups that would go on for thousands of years until the Old Republic's ultimate collapse.^[27] During one of the wars, the Jedifought theSith Empire onMalachor, which proved to be one of the most devastating battles in the history of the Order.^[31]

At some point, the Old Republic came into contact with theMandalorian people. The warrior civilization began a series of unprovoked militarycampaigns against the Old Republic. Later on, after all-outwar erupted, the Jedi stepped in to defend the Republic.^[32] In the meantime, Republic and Jedi forces continued to wage war against the expanding Sith Empire. During these wars, both sides would construct massivesuperweapons powered by largekyber crystals capable of mass destruction.^[33][34]

TheMiddle Era of the Old Republic was one period of galactic history.^[35] The Galactic Republic also participated in theSith Wars, a series of conflicts against the Sith Empire and involving theChiss Ascendancy. The Ascendancy encountered a number ofaliens before retreating to their borders.^[23]

Fall of the Old Republic[]

With the civilization of the Sith and the warrior culture ofMandalore, and with their beliefs of continual warfare without regard to the Jedi mandate of protecting the weak, the Jedi Order continued to mobilize its forces in an effort to stop enemy incursions into Old Republic space.^[32][27]

The power of the Sith Empire increased during thefall of the Old Republic. The Sith soon achieved near-dominance across the galaxy.^[2] It was also during this time that an ancestor ofPre Vizsla,^[36] leader of the Mandalorian groupDeath Watch during theClone Wars, managed to steal theDarksaber from the JediTemple.^[32]

At some point the galaxy entered a state known as the Dark Age. During this time, theJedi-Sith War broke out. Early on in this conflict, the Old Republic capital world of Coruscant was taken over by the Sith during theBattle of Coruscant. Later on in the war, the Sith were driven off the planet by the Jedi during theLiberation of Coruscant.^[16]

The fires of hope[]

The Old Republic managed to regain some of its strength after its forces had reclaimed the capital, capable of going on the offensive.^[16] The Jedi were strong enough to finally end its ancient war against the Mandalorian clans. Abattle between both groups on the planet Mandalore left the planet ravaged and lifeless.^[37] It was during this time too when the Sith were finallydefeated in1032 BBY.^[38] The armies of the Old Republic^[39] andJedi Knights^[40] were able to defeat the remaining Sith^[39] at theMid Rim Territoriesplanet^[41]Ruusan^[42] by taking advantage of the infighting within the Order,^[39] which proved to be the Sith's undoing.^[42] The Sith abandoned their traditional homeworld of Moraband after it was scarred by many wars,^[43] and went into hiding.^[5] Very few Sith remained by that point, and they ultimately destroyed themselves. Only oneSith Lord survived;Darth Bane reinvented the Sith by creating theRule of Two. Henceforth, their ranks were limited to aSith Master and aSith apprentice.^[39]

As the Old Republic fell apart as a result of its continuous wars, the Jedi Order finally believed itself victorious from its conflict with the Sith, who they believed to have been destroyed completely. Finally, with peace restored to the galaxy, the shattered Old Republic reorganized itself into the modern Galactic Republic,^[16] which would usher in over one thousand years of stability in an epoch known as theGreat Peace.^[44] The story of Old RepublicRegentHylemane Lightbringer and his supposedimmortality would be remembered in history texts along with Old Republic music such as theSestina of Imperator Vex, which would continue to be sung even in themonths following theBattle of Endor.^[18]

Rise of democracy[]

The Old Republic was restored^[26] in the form of the modern Galactic Republic^[16] in 1032 BBY.^[12] After the Galactic Republic's reformation,^[29] the Zygerrians would continue to hold a grudge against both the Republic and the Jedi Order for the destruction of their slave empire.^[45][46][47]

The modern Republic was ademocratic union that consisted of multiplestar systems spread across the galaxy.^[1] With the exception of small-scale conflicts that the Jedi dealt with, the Republic Era was an age of peace and stability that lasted for over amillennium.^[16] This version of the Republic existed in a demilitarized state for most of its history;^[9] as such, the government relied on theJedi Knights, who upheld their mandate as the guardians of peace and justice.^[48]

TheFour Sages of Dwartii were notable in influencing some of its earliest laws.^[49] As its governing body, the newly reorganized government established theGalactic Senate, the members of which were elected to represent their systems. Coruscant was the galactic seat of power under the Republic,^[1] as it had been for thousands of years before the Republic's rebirth.^[16]

The Republic's head of state, theSupreme Chancellor, was elected by and from the senators, in which the first in a long line of Chancellors^[5] wasTarsus Valorum,^[8] a scion of theHouse Valorum.^[5][10] Protecting the new democracy was the eliteSenate Guard, who could be seen patrolling theSenate District and came to be seen as symbols of strength and unity, especially considering the fact that the military had been disbanded.^[5][50] In time, the Jedi Order, a noble order of protectors who could tap into the power of the Force, came to serve the Republic as guardians of peace and justice.^[48] With the lack of a standing army, the Republic came to rely on its peacekeepingJudicial Forces, led by the Judicial Department as thede factolaw enforcement branch of the government. The Judicial Forces, members of which were simply known asJudicials, trained at theJudicial Academy and came to serve in both ground and space forces, often led by JediCommanders to maintain peace throughout the galaxy.^[5]

High Republic Era[]

A golden age[]

With the galaxy at peace,^[6] theHigh Republic Era, which lasted from around500 BBY to around100 BBY,^[51] saw the Galactic Republic reach the pinnacle of its power, with its influence spreading to even the farthest and less settled regions of the galaxy:^[52] the Republic worked to expand into the Outer Rim, specifically a region^[6] of the Rim^[53] known as theGalactic Frontier.^[6] The Jedi Order also became increasingly active in galactic affairs^[54] and helped the Republic's efforts. AnOffice of the Frontier was established.^[55] The Republic's expansion kicked off theGreat Hyperspace Rush to find and map any yet to be discoveredhyperspace routes,^[56] withRepublic Pathfinders working directly for the government^[57] asOuter Rim Exploration Teams.^[55] Private groups got involved in the hunt for new hyperspace routes as well, with theSan Tekka clan andGraf family both taking advantage of the rush. The San Tekka clan's success in locating new routes and ensuing fortune from those discoveries were secretly a result of the Force-sensitiveMari San Tekka, who had the special ability to locate and map out the routes herself.^[6]

Beyond the mission to open up new hyperlanes^[58] by discovering^[56] and charting them,^[55] Republic Pathfinders were ordered to explore, help those they found, and, in what was a major part of their mission, establish a functioning communications network across the Outer Rim. While creating the network, Pathfinder teams often worked alongside comms teams in order to get in contact with the Republic at large while out in the Rim. However, the Pathfinders needed to establish the network one node at a time. While the Pathfinders knew the long-term effort would one day result in communications being as fast in the Rim as it was in the Core,Grint Rupar ofOuter Rim Expedition Eight-Zero-Seven suspected the work would take generations. Nevertheless, JediPorter Engle dubbed it a noble effort that would change lives for the better. Members of the Jedi Order worked side-by-side with Pathfinders, traveling with them and helping in the Republic effort.^[59] One Pathfinder team, while working on charting the hyperlanes near Sullust, discovered the volcanic planetTunguray and evacuated itspeople to safety on Coruscant.^[55]

By382 BBY,^[60] leadership of the Republic was split between two chancellors,Orlen Mollo andKyong Greylark. Elected and then re-elected together, their joint leadership^[55] as Co-Chancellors^[61] helped in the Republic's outreach; while the more formal Greylark remained on Coruscant^[62] with the Senate, Mollo traveled across the Outer Rim with hisaides and crew aboard theAlif-class LongbeamPaxion,^[55] adopting a hands on approach to governance^[62] to help with expansion and end problems. Having lived through conflict on Mon Cala, Mollo believed he better understood the Outer Rim but trusted in his Co-Chancellor, whom he believed saw the promise in the Outer Rim but not the finer details he could, all the same due to their shared vision: a truly united galaxy.^[55]

Ambassador ships like thePaxion were also provided with top-of-the-lineprotocol droids, with thePaxion being given unitAR-K4.^[55] With the Republic aided by the Jedi,^[63] the Republic andTogrutas engaged in aconflict inTogruta space that left tensions between both parties.^[64] While Greylark believed thestar system was not ready for their intervention, Mollo traveled to the planets ofEiram andE'ronoh, which were home to awar he hoped to finally put a stop to. At the same time, a team of Jedi—consisting of MasterChar-Ryl-Roy, MasterCreighton Sun, KnightGella Nattai, and PadawanEnya Keen—traveled into the system aboard theValiant to provide aid to Eiram, only to collide with thePaxion amid askirmish that had secretly been orchestrated by thePath of the Open Hand cult under the control of "the Mother." Despite the rocky opening, Mollo and the Jedi began the peace process between both worlds' royal families aboard thePaxion, although progress only truly started to be made when E'ronohiprincessXiri A'lbaran proposed toEirami princePhan-tu Zenn, thereby setting the stage for a marriage alliance and an unlikely love story.^[55]

Meanwhile on Coruscant, Greylark feared Mollo was making a play at a solo-chancellery ahead of the campaign season. In reality, Mollo simply wanted to be the one to bring peace to the system because of his own past surrounded by war. Deep down, Greylark did trust in her fellow Chancellor, but sent her controversial sonAxel Greylark to representher office in the peace proceedings and report back to her. Axel's own dealings with the Path of the Open Hand nearly led to the destruction of the peace process after cult leaderElecia Zeveron demanded he bring her atoxin developed on Eiram. Amid the successfulWedding of Phan-tu Zenn and Xiri A'lbaran officiated by Mollo, Axel's desperation to prevent Zeveron from securing the toxin led to him destroying thedeflector shields around Eiram's capital ofErasmus. After Axel's arrest, the royals agreeing to destroy the toxin, and the formal beginning of the peace process, Mollo reminded his fellow Chancellor to trust him, to which Greylark admitted she did and she had simply wanted to trust her son as well.^[55]

Conflict with the Path[]

With it decided theEirami andE'roni representatives would meet on the neutral ground ofJedha to form an official treaty, Chancellor Mollo allowedMorton San Tekka to oversee the discussions as neutral arbiter, deciding it would be better than sending a Republic official. However, the interference of the Path and Graf family memberTilson kicked off theBattle of Jedha,^[66] shattering any hope of a lasting peace between Eiram and E'ronoh.^[67] Rushing to Jedha after receiving a transmission from Sun about the collapse of the peace process, a group of Jedi and aplatoon ofRepublic peacekeeping troops shut down the battle.^[66] The Path was correctly suspected to be behind the carnage, but the Mother publicly blamed everything on rogue acolytes and attempted to clear her order's name by offering a minimum of one millionZukkels towards rebuilding Jedha City. While the money was accepted, the revelation that a group like the Path had access to such funds caused the Republic to discreetly investigate, quickly discovering that the Mother had ties to wealthy individuals whom she had convinced to fund her cult.^[68]

After the Battle of Jedha, Axel was freed from prison by the Path of the Open Hand and brought to thePath compound on the planetDalna, where he was received by the Mother, who hoped to use Axel to leverage power over the galaxy through his connection with Chancellor Greylark. In the Mother's plan, Mollo, meanwhile, was going to be killed in a supposed accident as he traveled across the Rim.^[65] Nonetheless, the Mother rallied her followers against the Republic ahead of the loomingBattle of Dalna, alleging that the Jedi lorded over the government and galactic media.^[68] After Axel sent a message to his mother requesting her to come to Dalna as part of the Mother's plans, Greylark decided that she needed to support her son as a parent and understood that, should she arrive as Chancellor, the galaxy would be in danger. As such, she relinquished her position as Chancellor, leaving Mollo the sole leader of the Republic, much to his shock.^[65]

In the name of investigating the Path, Jedi arrived on Dalna^[65] with the support of the Republic,^[56] which approved of the action and dispatched guardsPriv Ittik andLu Sweet to aid the Jedi. As the incident devolved into a battle, the Jedi would also be aided by anti-PathDalnans, but the Jedi were also faced by Force consuming creatures known as theNameless. In the end, Greylark arrived on Dalna to help her son, and the united militaries of Eiram and E'ronoh arrived in the name of defeating the Path after its efforts to divide them were uncovered. Although the reinforcements shut down the fighting, the high causalities of the battle, which ended with the Path even destroying its own caverns,^[65] resulted in it being remembered as a massacre^[56] dubbed the Night of Sorrow.^[69] From a certain point of view, the massacre had only happened because of the Jedi-Republic partnership,^[56] yet the Jedi and Republic's victory in the battle was seen as proof that partnership between both organizations made the galaxy stronger.^[65]

In the aftermath of the battle, Axel agreed to spend the time he owed in prison and revealed what he knew of the Path's internal workings, although the cult's membership had been shattered and fled across the stars.^[65] One of its major leaders,Guide of the Closed FistMarda Ro, escaped the destruction and set about on a new plan for revenge by forming theNihil,^[68] with her plan being carried on by subsequent generations of theRo family.^[6] Jedi Masters Crieghton Sun and Yoda also agreed to cover up all information on the Nameless until more details were discovered. Meanwhile, a new treaty was set to be signed by the now-cooperating peoples of Eiram and E'ronoh. Two weeks after the battle, a ceremony on the union of Eiram and E'ronoh and the opening of a new hyperlane was held on their shared moon by Mollo.^[65] At some point, the San Tekka clan lost Mari San Tekka to the Ro family, who used her to locate hyperspacePaths for their own revenge scheme.^[6]

The Starlight Beacon program[]

In232 BBY^[71] the Galactic Republic was under the leadership of Supreme ChancellorLina Soh^[6] and Vice ChancellorLarep Reza, who was a rising star in the Senate and thought to be Soh's apparent successor whenever her term came to its end.^[64] To showcase support for all species in its borders, the governmental motto became "We are all the Republic." Under Soh,^[6] the Republic even began to take steps to curb its habit of indulging in bureaucracy when it needed to be instead taking action; even though the issue remained in a lesser form, the Republic took great steps in advancing beyond it.^[72] At some point the Republic intervened in theSoikan civil war to finally put a stop to the seemingly-endless conflict.^[69]

Concurrent to itsoutreach program, the Republic was in the midst of an era where all voices were listened to, creating governance from consensus and a society of culture, inclusion, ambition, and Soh's manyGreat Works. Among the earliest of these works—which encompassed everything from infrastructure projects to cultural affairs— was thePanacea, aSalvation-class Republic medical frigate that was deployed to help citizens after various crises; therefore, thefrigate became a symbol of Republic's dedication to help its citizens. Other planned Great Works included a new treaty between theMon Calamari andQuarren, theRepublic Fair, various communication relays, cementing the understanding of how to cultivateBacta, and various innovations in fields like technology. The greatest of the works was nonethelessStarlight Beacon, which was planned to only be the first in a Beacon network that could truly bring the Republic out of the Core.^[6]

Constructed along with other way stations at considerable expense and effort^[70] through many challenges over a long period of time,^[6] Starlight Beacon was designed to expand the Republic's domain to the unexplored "dark zones" of theOuter Rim Territories^[70] because Soh pledged to bring that region into the Republic's embrace, hoping the government could actually help the Outer Rim instead of simply flying through it or using it as another place to collect taxes. Beyond using its beacon to guide travelers and its relay to boost local transmissions by a factor of ten, the Beacon was a Republic embassy^[6] within the Galactic Frontier,^[73] that could serve many other purposes, being a fortress to discourage piracy, a place for cultural showcases, a state-of-the-art medical center, and, in part, a massiveJedi temple. The Jedi provided support to the Republic and its projects. The Jedi established outposts on many Outer Rim worlds, ensuring they could explore and protect those who lived without much of a Republic presence.^[6]

Although the Outer Rim was hard to navigate and dangerous to live in,^[70] many poor settlers traveled to the region, leaving the overpopulated Core Worlds and Colonies in pursuit of new lives. These dreams for better lives were supported by the Republic, which—although imperfect like all governments—encouraged the hopes of its citizens, whether those hopes be large or small. Additionally, Soh wanted the people of the Republic to know that they all were part of the government, and the Republic began construction of Starlight Beacon to help with its expansion into the Outer Rim. The beacon was the symbol of everything Soh wanted for the Republic, being able to ensure it could truly expand from the Core to be a galactic government. Others in the government preferred the status quo, wanting to save credits in case of future issues, but Soh, having proved to her people the positive effect of coming together, pushed on with her works to bring the Republic into the Rim. Every Senator knew the success of Starlight would bring forth Soh's hopes that future generations could live in prosperity, while its failure would be massive.^[6]

Lacking a formal military due to the galaxy's peace, the Republic was protected by a small peacekeeping fleet known as theRepublic Defense Coalition, which was helped by the Jedi Order. Despite the large-scale partnership between them and Republic during the era,^[6] there came to be some Jedi who doubted whether it was truly the will of the Force for them to act so closely with the government. Indeed, Jedi MasterCohmac Vitus believed it was a Republic and Jedi partnership that had led to the massacre on Dalna^[56] from over acentury prior.^[69] The partnership between the two parties would only increase when theNihil conflict began;^[56] the conflict began when starships were abruptly knocked out of hyperspace in a galaxy-wide event known as theGreat Hyperspace Disaster^[52] caused by theEye of the NihilMarchion Ro, a member of the Ro family who had destroyed thetransportLegacy Run in hyperspace, which made its remains come out of hyperspace in theHetzal system, causing a sudden crisis as they rained upon the system. Beyond wanting revenge on the Jedi for secretive, family reasons, Ro had made his move to ensure theNihil raiders could grow beyond what they were currently. With the Republic expanding into the Outer Rim, he knew they would need to change themselves to survive, launching his plot to ensure he could secure leadership over the raiders.^[6]

The RDC deployed theEmissary-class Republic CruiserThird Horizon to the Hetzal system in response to theHetzalian government'sdistress signal. Aboard the ship, Jedi MasterAvar Kriss was overseeing the effort, learning through herForce network that some of the fragments raining upon the system contained living beings. She helped lead the effort to rescue the system's refugees and everyone aboard the fragments until she detected a large container of liquidtibanna threatening the system'sR-class star. Kriss and the other Jedi used their combined focus to move the container with the Force, while the RDC continued to focus on evacuating the remaining refugees. The Jedi's effort to move the container was broadcast across the Outer Rim and into the inner Republic worlds bytechnicianKeven Tarr; while he had at first only sent the signal to Chancellor Soh, he did not want his star system to be destroyed without being acknowledged, so the people of the Republic watched the Jedi effort. At first, the Force users failed, but their second attempt moved the container, saving Hetzal and resulting in cheers across the Republic.^[6]

Although the Republic was able to learn the destruction of theLegacy Run had been the cause of the disaster, the government remained unaware of why it was destroyed, making Soh fear another disaster could happen in hyperspace. Additionally, the Republic was faced with theEmergences; these were when remaining fragments of theLegacy Run, which were all continuing to travel throughout hyperspace, exited in an Outer Rim system, resulting in pieces raining down and destroying whatever they hit. TheFirst Emergence was at theAb Dalis system, which was further along the same hyperspace route theRun had been traveling on, and these Emergences continued to spread. Thus, Soh feared the Republic could have to cease hyperspace travel, which would separate worlds and effectively end the galactic government. Additionally, the Nihil took advantage of the First Emergence, launching araid on aconvoy of ships carrying refugees. Nevertheless, because he had caused it, only Ro understood that they were directly responsible for the Great Disaster and its aftershocks.^[6]

Conflict with the Nihil[]

Although it was a larger mobilization effort than anything done for sometime, Soh established an RDCblockade of various Outer Rim hyperspace routes, intending to protect starships from being destroyed in hyperspace by stopping that travel altogether. The blockade would ultimately be forced to grow as more systems were effected by the Emergences. As predicted by SenatorIzzet Noor, who served as the spokesperson in the Senate for the majority of the Outer Rim, the blockade brought strife, as many Rim worlds were not self-sufficient and depended on hyperspace for trade. During a meeting on Coruscant fifteen Emergences into the crisis, Soh had pledged to sendsupply ships into hyperspace if a food crisis grew too dire, although the halting of the trade still had major negative effects for the Rim. During that same meeting, she established that the hyperlanes would remain closed, minus limited transport of essential goods, until they knew more about the crisis before noting she was unwilling to postpone thededication of the Starlight Beacon; it was nearly finished, and she wanted to use the event to showcase a triumph over adversity.^[6]

Survivors of the first Emergence and Great Hyperspace Disaster were taken to the yet-to-officially open Starlight for medical treatment. With Starlight due to open in thirty days, Soh gave that as the timeline to solve the Emergence crisis; she did not want to open the way station while the blockade was still ongoing, knowing it would appear as if the Republic could not protect its own people. Due to the blockade, the Nihil's craft became the only ships traveling at lightspeed, making Ro suggest they slow down operations—stating they could attract the attention of the Jedi or RDC—while also sowing the seeds for his takeover, approving theraid on Elphrona to ensure a Jedi would be captured. Meanwhile with the Republic, technician Tarr, having tracked the previous Emergences to form a pattern, began to construct asystem of thousands ofnavigation droids, hoping it could be used to predict where future Emergences would be and find theLegacy Run'sblack box. Assigned to learn more about the Emergences, Jedi Avar Kriss andElzar Mann were also directed to meet with the San Tekka Clan on Naboo by Noor, yetPatriarchsVellis andMarlowe San Tekka did not disclose any information about Mari, despite realizing her abilities could have caused the crisis and giving the Republic effort other aid.^[6]

TheRepublic rescue fleet was dispatched to the planetTrymant IV in the wake of anEmergence andNihil attack.^[74] The Republic effectively assumed the Nihil were destroyed in theBattle of Kur, but the marauders survived and began to launch their raids on a galaxy-wide scale, instead of remaining in the Outer Rim.^[6] The Nihilattack on Valo was a major blow to the Republic, although it did give a chance for the Republic and Torgrutas to heal their relations.^[64] In the aftermath of theBattle of Grizal, Republic forces rallied under Jedi MasterEmerick Caphtor toclear out a Nihil base onVrant Tarnum.^[75] Following the end of theDrengir crisis, the Republic and Jedi were able to focus their efforts on defeating the Nihil throughOperation: Counterstrike,^[76] in which the Republic and Jedi moved to wipe out all known Nihil bases. However, the conflict also resulted in the Republic and Jedi growing closer together, with Chancellor Soh and her aides coming to insert themselves into even the Jedi Council's^[56] normally private^[10] meetings.^[56] In secret, the Nihil had also infiltrated the Galactic Senate via SenatorGhirra Starros andJeni Wataro, aide to Senator Noor.^[77] In200 BBY,^[78] JediPadawanSean remembered that the Nihil had launched an invasion of the Republic.^[79]

Expansion and stagnation[]

The light and prosperity of the High Republic Era was fading^[80] by132 BBY^[81] and came to its final end around 100 BBY.^[51] Still, for centuries, the Galactic Republic had expanded not through force but by quietly exerting a strong magnetic pull towards neighboring systems. The promise of trade withCore World markets held many systems in sway, inexorably luring non-member worlds into tighter cooperation with the state body. Despite this, the Republic remained slow to invite new systems into its fold, as the addition of new territories diminished thepolitical power of existing senators. New member states invariably aligned themselves with local galactic power blocs, while most senators who gave the invitations represented systems in the Core. As a result, the Galactic Center represented the beating heart of the Republic that habitually drew wealth and power from the hinterlands, with most senators dismaying at the extension of services and protection to outlying worlds. Consequently, many useful star systems were left waiting—some for centuries—for the body politic to admit their world as a member of the Congress, even though it came at the cost of the body's overall power.^[82]

As time went by the Republic stood firm, becoming increasingly powerful. As a result, the galaxy remained free of any full-scale war for centuries. However, many of thebureaucrats andsenators that ran the government continued to work for their own profit rather than the common good. Greed, corruption and internal strife slowly began destroying the government from within.^[1] The Core, revitalized from the destructive conflicts of the past and ravenous for new resources to exploit, embarked on an aggressive colonization policy, exploring, mapping, and settling untouched planets within the Outer Systems, striking deals with or simply overrunning the indigenous populations that stood in their path. Adventurous pioneers found themselves granted permission by Coruscant to settle new territories and establish trading colonies to feed the Core with the goods and raw materials for its continual self-enrichment. Many new systems, finding themselves lacking the funds to mine, process, and ship their products to market, were forced to secure high-interest loans from theInterGalactic Banking Clan, whereupon many, unable to repay their debts, found themselves as mere client worlds to theMuun bankers. As time progressed, the laborious task of astrogating byhyperwave beacons—which required numerous reversions torealspace—became simplified with the founding of newhyperlanes, such as theHydian Way. Many systems, eager to benefit from the opportunities offered by charting hyperlanes through their system, sought to influence the Republic Senate to put themselves on the galactic map.^[5]

Culturally,Coruscanti fashion, art, drama and literature saw receptive audiences across the galaxy. Seeking to impress visitors from the Core, many worlds sought to build lavish mansions that imitated thearchitectural style of the Inner Core. Despite this, many Coruscanti looked with disdain on what was in reality nothing more than a gaudy impersonation. To them, these lifeforms on the galaxy's fringes appeared barbaric, with most worlds still lacking weather control or struggling with geological disturbances and food shortages. Additionally, many outlying worlds, lacking the protection of a federal military found themselves continually harassed by numerouspirates and criminal organizations, further ingraining the long-held view that those from the galaxy's outlying settlements lacked cultural refinement and basic civility.^[5]

A deep-rooted hatred and distrust grew over the centuries between the galaxy's outer fringes and the cosmopolitan Core, with those in the hinterlands gradually coming to believe themselves the victims of social and economic injustices. As a result of the perceived inability of the Judicial Forces in protecting outlying territories, who were often withheld in intervening after many far-flung worlds refused to provide the Core Worlds with profitable deals, the Outer Rim world ofEriadu—one of the most politically, culturally and economically developed worlds—formed theOutland Regions Security Force for the protection of theSeswenna sector. Comprising an amalgam of ships, it was funded primarily by off-world loans and supplied withlaser andion cannons acquired from arms merchants who had for centuries been ignoring a Republic ban on the sale of weaponry to member worlds. While the Outland Regions Security Force at first lacked success, it soon came to be renowned for its efficiency at dealing with raiders, especially afterWilhuff Tarkin was accepted into Outland's anti-piracy task force, in which he was known for outsmarting and outmaneuvering his opponents.^[5]

Despite Outland's best efforts, the Outer Rim Territories continued to fall victim to increasing corporate interests from the Core, with the monolithicTrade Federation expanding its reach in both the Outer Rim and the Galactic Senate by utilizing loopholes in existing free-trade legislation.^[5] By42 BBY,^[83] the Republic was expanding at an unprecedented rate, yet that expansion was largely due to the Federations' interests.^[84] While a faction known as theMilitarists emerged in the Senate with hopes of establishing a formal Republic Military at some point,^[8] the Senate voted to cut theRepublic Security Force's trade route defense program, citing cost concerns as the Federation was unwilling to pay whatever taxes would be incurred to pay for the Republic Guard program. Jedi Master Dooku implored the Senate to reconsider, but his objections were shouted down by SenatorBulgeski—whom Dooku would point out had previously called on the Republic Guard for the protection of his own world,Salliche—and the Federation's representative.ChancellorSkor Kalpana—who was characterized by SenatorSheev Palpatine as a good, yet also weak, man—also rejected Dooku's suggestion.^[84]

Shortly before theInvasion of Naboo, atrade summit was held on the Outer Rim planet of Eriadu in which Supreme ChancellorFinis Valorum was turned away by Wilhuff Tarkin, who was hoping to reduce the influence of the Chancellor who some already expected to lose the next election in order to support Senator Palpatine, who had earlier helped Tarkin gain entrance into the Judicial Academy and supported his ascension asGovernor of Eriadu.^[5]

Invasion of Naboo[]

Main articles:Invasion of Naboo andSupreme Chancellor Election, 32 BBY

Despite the best efforts of the well-meaning Chancellor Valorum,^[85] the Trade Federationblockaded Naboo over disputes aboutplasma exports. A Judicial force carried Jedi MasterQui-Gon Jinn and PadawanObi-Wan Kenobi to theSaak'ak, a Trade FederationLucrehulk-class LH-3210 cargo freighter to discuss a peaceful resolution to the conflict.^[5]Darth Sidious, theDark Lord of the Sith, orderedViceroyNute Gunray to invade Naboo ahead of schedule, and to kill the Chancellor's Jediambassadors.Theed, the capital city of Naboo, was swiftly occupied by theTrade Federation Droid Army. The Jedi, having survived the Federation's efforts to kill them,escaped to Naboo where they rescuedQueenPadmé Amidala and her entourage.^[10]

Amidala undertook a journey to Coruscant to plead herhomeworld's case to the Senate, but the damage to theNaboo Royal Starship'sT-14 hyperdrive generator necessitated a detour to the remote world ofTatooine for repairs. Acting on Gunray's report, Sidious instructed hisSith apprentice,Darth Maul, to locate and reacquire thequeen as only she had the authority to sign a treaty making the Federation's occupation of Naboo legal. Although Maul tracked them to Tatooine, he failed to prevent the Jedi from escaping with Amidala on her repaired starship. In addition, Jinn took custody of an emancipated slave child,Anakin Skywalker, whom he found to be exceptionally strong with the Force. Believing that he had found the prophesiedChosen One, Jinn brought Skywalker to Coruscant to begin hisJedi training.^[10]

Senator Palpatine and Chancellor Valorum greeted Amidala upon her arrival to the capital. Though Valorum assured her of the Senate's distress over the situation, Palpatine warned her that neither the Senate nor the Chancellor were likely to intervene unless they made a change in leadership. As Naboo's galactic representative, Palpatine served as Amidala's advisor and confidant. He told her that the Senate was corrupt, and the Chancellor a figurehead to the bureaucrats. When the Trade Federation's delegates forced Valorum to adhere to bureaucratic procedure, Amidala countered by calling for aVote of No Confidence in him, following Palpatine's advice despite her initial reluctance to denounce a strong supporter of her world.^[10]

Believing the Republic no longer adhered to its founding principles, Amidala returned to her planet to liberate thepeople of Naboo without the Senate's intervention. Before leaving Coruscant, Palpatine informed her of his nomination to succeed Valorum. His competitors were SenatorBail Antilles of Alderaan and SenatorAinlee Teem ofMalastare, but Palpatine assured Amidala that he would win theelection through widespread sympathy for Naboo's plight. He vowed to dedicate his term to ending corruption, and Amidala implored him to restore compassion to the Senate.^[10]

Unable to count on Republic aid, Amidala turned to Naboo'sGungan population. Despite ill feelings between their segregated societies, the occupation of their shared homeworld allowed Amidala to mend their relationship through diplomacy. TheGungan Grand Army confronted the Trade Federation'sbattle droids while theNaboo Royal Space Fighter Corps launched an attack on theSaak'ak in orbit. The Gungans were forced to surrender after their defenses collapsed, and severalNaboo Fighter Pilots were killed in the space battle. However, Amidala's team infiltrated theTheed Royal Palace where they captured Gunray, and with theSaak'ak destroyed by Skywalker, the droids were deactivated. In the aftermath of theBattle of Naboo, Gunray was taken into Republic custody and the newly-elected Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine arrived in Theed where he and the queen congratulated each other on their recent success. The new Chancellor said that they would work together bringing peace and prosperity to the Republic.^[10]

Separatist Crisis[]

Main article:Separatist Crisis

Following the Naboo Crisis, the Trade Federation monopoly on the Outer Rim was broken, all while Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum's political standing suffered from the crisis along with other scandals. In his wake, Palpatine was appointed to the position of Supreme Chancellor, eventually creating an image of himself as a mild-mannered servant of the common good, despite his true intentions. However, growing tensions between the Core and Outer Rim worlds gradually increased to the point where many believed that a war was imminent.^[5] Foreseeing this conflict years before the Invasion of Naboo, Jedi MasterSifo-Dyas advocated for the creation of a new Republic army, only to be rejected by theJedi High Council, who believed his ideas too extreme. Undeterred, Sifo-Dyas contacted theKaminoans, known for theirclone hatcheries, and secretly commissioned them to create a clone army, pretending to represent the Galactic Senate. Unbeknownst to Sifo-Dyas, Darth Sidious had earlier contactedPrime MinisterLama Su, and convinced him to implant abehavioral modification biochip into the clones during the third stage of their development to turn against the Jedi at a mere command.^[86]

The dashing swordsman and political idealist Jedi MasterCountDooku, taking an eight-year leave of absence from the Jedi Order and now secretly the apprentice of Darth Sidious and dubbed Darth Tyranus,^[9] paid thePyke Syndicate to eliminate Sifo-Dyas over the planet ofOba Diah. With Sifo-Dyas originally heading to the planet in order to negotiate a dispute that could have resulted in a full-scale gang war on Coruscant, Sifo-Dyas was suddenly re-assigned toFelucia when his shuttle was abruptly shot down over the planet. Bringing his body to Felucia, where it was cremated by tribal inhabitants, Dooku managed to trick the Jedi Council into believing Sifo-Dyas had been killed by the Felucians,^[86] all while erasing the existence ofKamino from theJedi Archives.^[9]

In the decade after the Invasion of Naboo, the whereabouts of Count Dooku were scarcely known, with many believing he merely wished to form an offshoot of the Jedi Order. In reality, Dooku manipulated galactic events to foment political turmoil on a variety of worlds, includingKashyyyk,Sullust, andOnderon. Seeking to create a southern Separatist sphere of influence by bringingYag'Dhul andSluis Van to his side, Dooku needed to persuade the now prosperous world of Eriadu to join the Separatists. However, Wilhuff Tarkin was pressured to declare his loyalties especially after Dooku commandeered aHoloNet station in theRaxus system and denounced the Galactic Republic, effectively setting the stage for theSeparatist Crisis. Tarkin ultimately sided with the Galactic Republic in his stern belief that an inefficient yet unified galaxy was better than a fractured one.^[5]

Chancellor Palpatine's negotiations with the Separatists were unsuccessful, leading the Galactic Senate to consider theMilitary Creation Act. Senator Amidala led the opposition against the bill, believing it would make war between the Republic and the Separatists inevitable. Following anassassination attempt on Amidala, the chancellor ordered her to return to Naboo while the Jediinvestigated the plot against her.Junior RepresentativeJar Jar Binks assumed her responsibilities on Coruscant for the duration of Amidala's absence. The Jedi's subsequent discovery of two secret armies, the clones and thebattle droids, influenced the Senate's next actions. TheLoyalists agreed that the Republic needed the clone army, yet they felt that the Senate would fail to pass the Military Creation Act before the Separatists' attacked the Republic with theirdroid forces. WhenVice ChairMas Amedda suggested that they resolve the crisis by bestowing emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine, Representative Binks proposed as much to the Senate who passed his bill, allowing Palpatine to officially recognize the clone army as theGrand Army of the Republic. A self-proclaimed proponent of democracy and Republic patriot, Palpatine assured the senators that he intended to return the powers that they had given him after the crisis was over.^[9]

The Clone Wars[]

Main article:Clone Wars

The Clone Wars began with theFirst Battle of Geonosis. Supported by theRepublic Navy, the Grand Army of the Republic engaged theSeparatist Droid Army in the open field. The Jedi joined the battle as well,^[9] acting asde facto generals for the clone troopers.^[87] Meanwhile,Poggle the Lesser's schematics for theUltimate Weapon were transferred to Dooku who escaped the battle afterdueling Skywalker, Kenobi, andGrand MasterYoda. Simultaneously, the various members of the newly-foundedConfederacy of Independent Systems evacuated the planet as Republic clonetroopers gradually forced the droid army into full retreat. The battle was hailed as a Republic victory, although Yoda took the opposite position as he knew that war would spread across the galaxy. Count Dooku traveled to anindustrial sector on Coruscant to inform his master that the war had begun as planned, all while the Jedi High Council pondered Dooku's warning that the Dark Lord of the Sith controlled the Senate.^[9]

In the aftermath of the Battle ofGeonosis, the deadly three-year conflict that engulfed the galaxy in chaos officially began.^[26] Though suspicious of Dooku's claim that the Senate was under the Sith's influence,^[9] the Jedi continued to serve the Republic. Themilitary rank ofJedi General was created,^[88] allowing the Jedi to lead the Grand Army of the Republic in an official capacity.^[26] Early into the war, Sidious learned of a splinter faction in the Trade Federation under the NeimoidianOje N'deeb, who wanted to usurp Gunray and give the Outer Rim a chance for a new future. While initially outraged and considering crushing the rebellion outright to ensure the Federation and the legacy it would leave behind stayed true to his plans, Sidious quickly realized he could use the upstart to his advantage; if N'deeb's operation was turned to his own ends, the Outer Rim would be strengthened by N'deeb's faction, but that work would only serve to prolong the war. Once the "chance" N'deeb offered the Rim was crushed, furthermore, Sidious understood that its people who feel even more bitter towards the Republic.^[89]

The worlds that were caught in the middle of the conflict were forced to choose sides between the Galactic Republic and its clone army or the ever-expanding Confederacy of Independent Systems and its droid army. With the war well under way, numerous diplomatic envoys engaged in several attempts to sway local worlds to join the Galactic Republic, with Jedi Master Yoda seeking to win the support of theToydarianKingKatuunko, whileSith assassinAsajj Ventress sought to disrupt the meeting, and instead sought to win the support of the king to join the Confederacy.^[90] The Republic also sent military aid and support to factions in need, such asCham Syndulla'sTwi'lek Resistance onRyloth,^[91] or to theDugs of Malastare, whose lucrative fuel reserves were a great boon to the Republic Navy.^[92] Numerous worlds such asMandalore also attempted to maintain their neutrality, although they often were forced to seek aid from third parties in times of need.^[9][32]

Throughout the Clone Wars, numerous attempts were made against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's life, including an kidnapping attempt on Naboo masterminded by Count Dooku^[93] as well as the hostage taking of members of the Galactic Senate by notorious bounty hunterCad Bane.^[94] However, political intrigue fueled not only the conflict, but also advances in weaponry and the development of equipment to enhance existing armed forces. Attempts at biological weapons were launched by Separatist scientistNuvo Vindi, who attempted to re-create the ancientBlue Shadow Virus capable of killing millions across the galaxy,^[95] while the Republic developed the experimentalelectro-proton bomb, which could send out an electric pulse upon detonation capable of deactivating an entire droid army.^[92]

Following theBattle of Malastare, the Republic also attempted to create an impenetrable armor by unlocking the biological secrets of theZillo Beast, an ancient creature from theMid Rim, only to have the attempt end in failure, sending the beast on arampage across Coruscant. After its death at the hands of a Jedi task force, the beast was secretly cloned by orders from the Supreme Chancellor himself.^[96] In the meantime, the Republic developed astealth ship capable of cloaking itself, as well as upgrading its standardPhase I clone trooper armor to the more sophisticatedPhase II clone trooper armor prior to theBattle of Mon Cala.^[97]

The Republic adopted the clone army to defeat the Separatists, but the clone troopers were also at the disposal of the Senate. TheCoruscant Guard was formed byclone shock troopers stationed on the Republic capital;^[98] senatorial delegates were accompanied by clone bodyguards;^[93] and the clones became involved in the Republic's internal disputes by acting as enforcers of the Senate.^[99] The Senate Guard still accompanied dignitaries on off-world missions,^[100] but as the war continued the Coruscant Guard became increasingly responsible for the security of the Supreme Chancellor^[93] and the delegates of the Senate.^[4]

On one occasion, the Republic deployed a Jedi-led force of clone troopers toOrto Plutonia at the behest of one of its members, thePantoran Assembly. The government ofPantora claimed sovereignty over the planet, which resulted inopen conflict between thePantorans and the nativeTalz. Although the clones served under the Jedi, they were also beholden to the authority of the Pantoran leader,ChairmanChi Cho, and the Pantoran senatorRiyo Chuchi.^[99]

Fall of the Republic[]

The Grand Army of the Republic was led by Jedi Generals throughout the Clone Wars.^[26] While many heroic actions were taken by the Jedi and the troopers under their command, inspiring the public with stories of bravery, war weariness only continued to grow as the years went by.^[82] The Republic citizenry grew to believe that the Jedi had abandoned their role as peacekeepers,^[102] and staged massive protests outside of the Jedi Temple as a result. Despite their waning influence in the galaxy, the Jedi continued to lead the Republic's forces but sustained many casualties in the process. Their role in the conflict was opposed not only by civilians,^[103] but also theRepublic officer Wilhuff Tarkin who wanted to revoke the Order's military authority, convinced that theJedi Code was a hindrance on the Republic war effort.^[104]

PadawanBarriss Offee also disagreed with the Order's involvement in the Clone Wars, and staged abombing in the Jedi Temple as protest, all while framingAhsoka Tano of committing the act before being captured herself.^[105] TheSeparatist Shadowfeed operation, an attempt by Count Dooku to spread information on Republic defeats, making it appear as though a Separatist victory was inevitable, fueled public anxiety and consequently accelerated the militarization of the Republic over the course of the war.^[5] Palpatine painted the picture of military victory over the CIS being the only way to lead the galaxy to peace, justifying the expansion of the Republic Military in the process.^[106]

The war also served as a means for Palpatine to amass more emergency powers, cementing his position as Supreme Chancellor far longer than it technically allowed, all while continuing to centralize political and military authority within theOffice of the Chancellor, which included putting the InterGalactic Banking Clan under the Chancellor's oversight.^[4] By gaining wartime powers, Chancellor Palpatine was effectively adictator.^[107]

Palpatine used the war as his reasoning for amending the Galactic Constitution multiple times, enshrining greater power in his office through his changes.^[108] He became the most powerful chancellor since before theRuusan Reformations. Under theReflex Amendment, he secured near-total power over the military.^[109] TheSector Governance Decree, passed towards the end of the war, gavegovernors sent out by Palpatine authority over neighboring star systems, all in the name of the war effort.^[110]

After nearly three years of constant warfare, the war reached its climax during theBattle of Coruscant, where both factions engaged in a massive naval and ground battle over the Republic's capital world. The confrontation ultimately saw the Republic dealing a severe blow to the Confederacy with the loss of a portion of its fleet as well as its head of state, Count Dooku, at the hands of Anakin Skywalker. Shortly afterwards,GeneralGrievous met his end at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi during theBattle of Utapau. Yet even as the Republic pressed on with the Outer Rim Sieges, determined to bring an end to the civil war, the Jedi High Council had grown increasingly wary of Palpatine.^[2]

Over the course of the Clone Wars, the Chancellor's wartime authority reached unprecedented levels at the expense of the Senate, some of whom also grew concerned for the future of the Republic. As such, members of the Council and the Senate began to consider their options for the preservation of democracy.^[2] TheDelegation of 2,000 emerged and sought topetition the Chancellor to relinquish his emergency powers,^[111] whereas the Council contemplated the possibility of removing him by force and taking over the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition of power.^[2]

Ultimately, their suspicion of the Chancellor was vindicated when Skywalker uncovered the truth: Sheev Palpatine and Darth Sidious, the Sith mastermind behind the Clone Wars, were one and the same. Realizing they had been deceived by the Chancellor, the Councilattempted to arrest the Sith Lord before his plan could come to fruition, consequently leading to alightsaber duel in which Sidious struck downAgen Kolar,Saesee Tiin, andKit Fisto beforeMace Windu disarmed him. Given the Chancellor's control over the Senate and the courts, Windu deemed Sidious too dangerous to live. However, Skywalker, despite having performed an execution himself, argued that execution was contrary to the Jedi way, though his personal attachment to Amidala also influenced him at this critical point as he believed that Sidious could save her life.^[2]

In a moment of desperation, Skywalker disarmed Windu, which allowed Sidious to kill the Jedi Order's champion with a torrent ofForce lightning. Having chosen the path of the dark side, the fallen Jedi Knight became Darth Vader and subsequently led theattack on the Jedi Temple while Sidious issuedOrder 66 to the Grand Army, causing the clonetroopers beingbrainwashed into betraying and executing their Jedi leaders across the galaxy.^[2] The execution of Order 66 marked the moment where the destruction of the Republic was inevitable,^[112] although Maul maintained that the Republic had already fallen and the Jedi had simply failed to realize as such.^[113]

The Senate held an emergency session at the Chancellor's request. Sidious publicly denounced the Jedi Order; he accused them of plotting to assassinate him in order to take control of the Senate, and by extension, the Republic. Meanwhile, Vader undertook amission to Mustafar where he personally executed theSeparatist Council, at the behest of Sidious who betrayed and no longer needed them. With theGreat Jedi Purge in effect, and the Separatists neutralized, Sidiousproclaimed himselfGalactic Emperor. The Galactic Republic officially became theGalactic Empire,^[2] and democracy was supplanted by thefascistNew Order.^[16] While many senators cheered and applauded the birth of the Empire, Amidala and Organa quietly lamented the Republic's end. Vader deactivated the droid army soon after killing the Separatist leaders onMustafar. The Clone Wars was over, and its conclusion marked the dawn of the Imperial Era.^[2]

Legacy[]

Empire and rebirth[]

In the decades after the dissolution of the Galactic Republic, numerous individuals still clung to the memory of the now Old Republic and its fabled Jedi warriors, while many individuals who knew the Jedi in person refused to believe the Emperor's account of a "Jedi Rebellion."^[82][115] The Jedi Order that served the Republic would continue its legacy and endure during the Great Jedi Purge.^[18] Having been freed from his control chip by former JediAhsoka Tano during theskirmish aboard theVenator-class Star DestroyerTribunal,^[116] the formerClone CaptainRex resolved to fight against the Empire in the name of the Republic, even telling formerClone SergeantHunter that they were living proof that the Republic lived on,^[117] and his clone siblings.^[118]

Nevertheless, a majority of galactic citizens eventually came to believe and actively support the pro-Imperial view, believing the Republic to have grown weak and corrupt, necessitating Palpatine's rise to power. In order to destroy the memory of the previous government, any visible reminder of the Old Republic was quickly removed, with many organizational changes altering the names of various locales and institutions, while architecture was molded to amore severe and dark aesthetic. With the renowned Galactic Senate being renamed theImperial Senate and theSenate Plaza renamed Imperial Plaza and a giant statue of the Emperor erected in it, one could almost forget the Republic even existed.^[5]

However, the memory of the Republic as a force of freedom and justice could never be fully destroyed as long as those who still believed in it lived, thus spurring numerous resistance movements throughout the Empire's reign such as theFree Ryloth Movement^[119] andBerch Teller's rebel cell.^[5] These displays of resistance eventually coalesced into theAlliance to Restore the Republic prior to theBattle of Yavin, where the Death Star was destroyed.^[19] Subsequent battles included theBattle of Endor which saw the destruction of thesecond Death Star and the deaths of Sidious and Vader, the latter redeeming himself as Anakin Skywalker.^[120] In the aftermath of their victory atEndor, the Alliancedeclared itself theNew Republic as an ode to the Old Republic.^[18]

However, the New Republic disavowed some aspects of the Old Republic, particularly the legacy of its final years under the chancellery of Sheev Palpatine.^[121] The word "Supreme" was removed from the title ofChancellor; Coruscant was stripped of its traditional role as the galactic capital, allowing other worlds to host therestored Galactic Senate on a rotating cycle; and theMilitary Disarmament Act reduced theNew Republic Defense Force in theaftermath of theGalactic Civil War. Such efforts succeeded in convincing former Separatist worlds to support the New Republic,^[122] but also led to political partisanship in the Senate wherePopulists favored the sovereignty of member worlds whileCentrists lobbied to increase the central government's power and military spending.^[121] Ultimately, the Centrist worlds seceded from the New Republic and joined theFirst Order,^[123] a successor to the Galactic Empire,^[124] resulting in theCold War between the two galactic powers.^[123]

The story of Old RepublicRegentHylemane Lightbringer and his supposedimmortality would be remembered in history texts along with Old Republic music such as theSestina of Imperator Vex, which would continue to be sung even in themonths following the Battle of Endor.^[18]

Posterity's judgment[]

Hailed as one of the greatest political achievements in the galaxy's history,^[26] the Galactic Republic was described by the historianJanyor as "the Republic of legend, greater than distance or time." Although other versions existed in the ancient past, collectively known as the "Old Republic," posterity credited the modern Republic for delivering the galaxy from an age of darkness and, with the help of the Jedi Order, forging an era of peace that lasted for a thousand years until the advent of the Clone Wars. Historians romanticized the Age of the Republic, calling it the "last era of peace"—notwithstanding isolated conflicts, which were notably few and swiftly resolved by Jedi mediators—before the rise of vast warships and planet-killing superweapons.^[16]

The Republic in its final years, however, was remembered with less fondness. Historians regarded the people of that time as a generation of apathy and indolence, in which galactic senators cared more about power and luxury than representing their constituents or addressing the perceived inefficiencies of the government. The civilian population was also seen as a contributing factor to the Republic's demise, with Core Worlders being more invested in podracing events in the distant Outer Rim Territories than the politics that caused dissatisfaction to fester and grow into the Separatist Crisis. Ultimately, historians rebuked this generation and held it responsible for the collapse of the "comfortable civilization" that defined the modern Galactic Republic.^[16]

Organization[]

Politics[]

Main articles:Supreme Chancellor,Galactic Senate,Judicial Department andApprentice Legislature

The institutions of the Galactic Republic consisted of the Office of the Chancellor, the Galactic Senate, and the Judicial Department. Executive power was vested in the Supreme Chancellor, although this office was largely powerless and hampered by bureaucratic procedure, particularly during the chancellery of Finis Valorum. Nevertheless, the Chancellor had the authority to issue executive orders summoning the Senate to an emergency session^[10] or sending senators away from Coruscant for security reasons.^[9]

The chancellery of Sheev Palpatine shifted the balance of power in favor of the Chancellor's office, a consequence of the wartime powers that the Senate gave its leader on the eve of the Clone Wars.^[9] As the conflict spread across the galaxy, Palpatine's chancellery gradually morphed into a dictatorship^[107] with control over both the Senate and theRepublic courts. Near the war's end, Palpatine appointed Anakin Skywalker as his own personal representative on the Jedi High Council, which the Jedi considered an overreaching exercise of the Chancellor's authority. By then, Palpatine had managed to remain in power by exceeding the term limits of his office, an action that the Senate supported.^[2]

Prior to Palpatine's rise to power, the Galactic Senate was the legislative body of the Republic. Many member worlds across the galaxy were represented in the Senate which was headquartered on Coruscant, capital of the Republic.^[125] At it height, the Senate's power eclipsed that of the Supreme Chancellor^[10] but it had also become stagnant under unbridled corruption and layers of bureaucracy.^[125] As more politicians grew enamored with the comforts of their office, prioritizing power and wealth over their constituents' needs, average citizens questioned if the Republic and its high taxes were worth the membership.^[16] The Jedi had also grown distrustful towards senators and regarded their motives with skepticism,^[9] notwithstanding the Order's allegiance to the Senate as a whole.^[2]

With the Senate hamstrung by political infighting and a strict adherence to protocol, it failed to bring swift resolutions to either the Invasion of Naboo^[10] or the Separatist Crisis.^[9] In lieu of a diplomatic solution, the Senate rallied under Chancellor Palpatine's leadership. However, the decision to grant him emergency powers eroded their authority, allowing Palpatine to amass even more power at the expense of the Senate. At the time of the Clone Wars, the Senate was divided between supporters of the war effort and pacifists who sought a peaceful end to the fighting.^[125]

The Judicial Department was an umbrella department over the Republic courts, including theSupreme Court, the highest court of law in the Republic.^[8] Its authority also extended over the Judicial Forces^[5] and theRepublic Office of Criminal Investigations.^[8] Like its legislative counterpart, however, the courts were mired by a stagnant bureaucracy and was known to be even more indecisive than the Senate.^[10] Despite the arrest of Nute Gunray, multiple trials in the Supreme Court failed to remove him as leader of the Trade Federation to the dismay of the Naboo government.^[9]

Propaganda in the Galactic Republic had long served to sway public opinion in favor of Republic policies, from expanding into the Outer Rim Territories, to waging a pan-galactic war against the Separatists. One such propaganda tool was theCommission for the Protection of the Republic (COMPOR). Formed in the early days of the Clone Wars, COMPOR existed as a pro-Republic populist movement. As such, the organization's mission was twofold: to promote patriotism in the Republic, and to brand the Separatists as traitors. This goal was achieved through theartwork ofDonclode Onstruss,Hamma Elad, and otherartists associated with COMPOR.^[16]

Throughout the conflict, COMPOR propagandists sought to sustain the war effort by keeping public opinion on the side of the Republic's military forces and their commander-in-chief, respectively the clone army and Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine. Following anearly attempt to utilize the Jedi Order as a propaganda tool, COMPOR focused increasingly on the Grand Army of the Republic, portraying clone troopers as a symbol ofunity that the citizenry was encouraged tosupport. In regard to the Separatists, COMPOR depicted their leaders as icons of "evil," specifically General Grievous and Count Dooku. Using loyalty to the Republic and fear of the Separatists, COMPOR lobbied the Galactic Senate to give more emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine whom they supported as awartime leader.^[16]

The Galactic Republic also founded^[126] theApprentice Legislature,^[127] also known as the Junior Senate,^[128] for politically minded youth^[126] who wished for a future career in politics. The Apprentice Legislature were given several real issues to deal with but were minor and weren't security issues.^[127] Padmé Amidala, the last Republic senator of Naboo, was anApprentice Legislator at eight years old.^[126] The Apprentice Legislature would also exist under the Republic's successor, the Galactic Empire, though by3 BBY^[129] only forty worlds still sent representatives to the Legislature.^[127]

Political divisions[]

All political entities in the Galactic Republic were fully sovereign, and thereby shared in the privileges and obligations that came with being part of the Republic. Corporations and guilds were also allowed to join the Republic, who all sent democratically elected representatives on behalf of their governments or trade groups from across the galaxy, to the Galactic Senate.^[10]

Aseries of treaties between various entities which governed the existence of the Republic Defense Coalition during the High Republic Era. They included defense provisions which required Republic members, such as Chandrila and Alderaan to loan military assets such as starships and personnel for as long as they were needed, after which they were returned to their homeworlds.^[6]

As one of the consequences of theMilitary Creation Act, theCorellia system, one of the founding systems of the Galactic Republic, was able to close its borders, but without withdrawing from the Republic during the Separatist Crisis.^[130]

Foreign policy[]

The Senate did not intervene in theOpen-Closed war onCarnelion IV because the planet was not part of the Galactic Republic. Carnelion IV did not join the Republic because the Senate had little economic interests in the planet.^[132] The Republic's diplomatic fleet subsequently forced a ceasefire to the Open-Closed war after Kenobi claimed that the planet had high concentrations oftibanna gas in its atmosphere in order to bring an end to the long-running conflict.^[133]

During the Clone Wars, the Republic tolerated the political stance of neutral governments, among which were theNew Mandalorians.^[32] Their leader,DuchessSatine Kryze, was a staunch pacifist who sought to keep her homeworld and it allies out of the conflict through her capacity as head of theCouncil of Neutral Systems.^[134] The Republic and Mandalore coexisted through treaties over a century old by the time of the Clone Wars,^[131] though by then the Senate sanctioned aplan to invade the planet Mandalore, having grown to believe that Kryze's pacifist government could not protect the Mandalorian people from theDeath Watch movement. However, the invasion was called off due to evidence that the Senate's pretext for war—the testimony ofDeputy MinisterJerec—had been falsified.^[135]

Mandalore was the site of attempted peace talks between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, with Duchess Satine overseeing theconference. Both governments dispatched their delegates to the neutral world in addition to RepublicSenate Commandos and SeparatistBX-series droid commandos. Negotiations broke down, however, allowing the war to continue without interruption.^[100]

During the war, although Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine claimed that the Republic was willing to assist a neutral star system during their times of crisis,^[136] the Senate^[137] and the Republic as a whole^[131] almost always declined aid,^[137] particularly military aid, to neutral governments as a matter of policy.^[131] If a government broke its neutrality by siding with the Separatist Alliance, it risked becoming an enemy of the Republic. When the InterGalactic Banking Clan began favoring the Separatists at the Republic's expense, the Republic retaliated by deploying an invasion force tooccupy the planetScipio.^[4]

Despite Mandalore's neutrality, Ahsoka Tano andBo-Katan Kryze requested the Grand Army's support to depose theShadow Collective thatsupplanted Satine Kryze's regime. Although the Jedi were concerned about getting drawn into theMandalorian civil war while in the midst of the ongoing Clone Wars, especially when the world in question was still officially neutral, they permitted adivision of the501st Legion to support theMandalore resistance in theSiege of Mandalore.^[131]

During the Clone Wars, the Republic made indirect contact with theChiss Ascendancy through Jedi General Anakin Skywalker's encounter withSenior CaptainMitth'raw'nuruodo "Thrawn," an officer of theChiss Expansionary Defense Fleet. Thrawn had been tasked with exploring the Outer Rim by the time the Ascendancy, having discovered a mysterious threat in the Unknown Regions, sought to assess the Galactic Republic as a potential ally. Thrawn gathered intelligence on the Clone Wars through his interaction with Skywalker, who, in turn, recruited theChiss officer's help with rescuing Senator Padmé Amidala. Skywalker was impressed by Thrawn during their time working together, which he later reported to Chancellor Palpatine. Thrawn was unimpressed by the Republic, however, believing democracy to be an inefficient form of government.^[138]

Defense[]

Republic Defense Coalition[]

Main article:Republic Defense Coalition

The Republic Defense Coalition, also known as the RDC, was organized as a small peacekeeping fleet that defended the Galactic Republic's interests during the High Republic Era. The RDC was bound together as an organization through defense treaties signed by the Republic's member worlds, including Alderaan and Chandrila. The treaties that created the RDC gave it the ability to allocate starships and personnel from the signatory worlds in times of emergency. These resources would remain under the RDC's control until the threat was neutralized, after which they would be returned to their homeworlds.^[6] The Republic also maintained formations of Republic peacekeeping troops, who were deployed to quell conflicts in Republic territory.^[66]

The fleet consisted of several starship types, such asEmissary-class cruisers,Pacifier-class sector patrol cruisers,Longbeam cruisers, andZ-28 Skywing starfighters. Despite the existence of the RDC, the Republic was at the height of an era of peace that had lasted for centuries, with neither the Hutts nor the Mandalorians posing a threat. As a result, theEmissary-class resembled a work of art, its crenellations and spires designed to be symbolic of the Republic in a state of tranquility. The RDC operated alongside the Jedi Order as well, allowing the peacekeepers to store their personalized starfighters, theJedi Vectors, in the hangars of itsEmissary-class cruisers.^[6] The Republic rescue fleet was also maintained at the time of the High Republic.^[74]

Judicial Forces[]

Main article:Judicial Forces

The Judicial Forces were the armed peacekeeping forces of the Galactic RepublicJudicial Department.^[5] While the Jedi helped to maintain order and peace under the authority of the Galactic Senate, they were not considered a standing military.^[132] As officers of the government, Judicials had access toConsular-class space cruisers.^[10] The distinctive design and color of Republic cruisers identified them as diplomatic vessels,^[139] often used by delegates of the Galactic Senate, agents of the Supreme Chancellor, or members of the Jedi Order.^[140]

In the last decades of the Republic, the Jedi effectively supplanted the Judicial Forces as arbiters of the Senate.^[5] Judicials therefore acted in a supporting capacity, escorting Jedi ambassadors on their offworld missions.^[10]

Republic Military[]

Main articles:Republic Military,Grand Army of the Republic andGalactic Republic Navy

Towards the end of the Separatist Crisis, the Galactic Senate passed the Military Creation Act, which led to the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Republic Navy.^[8] Outfitted witharmor weapons and gear,^[141] clone troopers were the backbone of the Republic Military. Bred for loyalty and combat, clones symbolized the future of galactic warfare at the time of the Clone Wars, the conflict that derived its name from their ranks. The training that they experienced molded the clone troopers into a highly efficient army,^[142] and because they retained the ability to think creatively despite their stunted independence,^[9] they were considered far superior to their droid counterparts. In their first battle against the Separatist Droid Army, the Grand Army displayed a level of military strength unseen in the history of the galaxy.^[142]

Clones were, by and large, proud to serve as soldiers of the Galactic Republic. Although a minority committed treasonous acts such as desertion or espionage for the Separatists, most were steadfast in their allegiance and many troopers sacrificed themselves for the Republic. They were loyal to the Supreme Chancellor, but also the Jedi who served as generals in the Grand Army of the Republic.^[142] A strong sense of trust developed between Jedi generals and clone commanders over the long campaigns of the Clone Wars.^[26]

There were several types of clone soldiers that stood as a breed apart from their rank-and-file brethren. TheAdvanced Recon Commandos, for example, were noted for their elite status and capacity for independent thinking. Another specialized class was theclone commando—elite operatives trained for missions too complex for other soldiers.^[141]

Along with theAcclamator-class transgalactic military assault ship and other support vessels, theVenator-class Star Destroyer was the mainstaywarship of the Republic Navy.^[143] Part cargo transport and part troop carrier, the Venator was also developed for ship-to-ship combat. The Venator notably contained a large hangar for housing state-of the-art Republic starfighters.^[144]

The Republic Navy fielded various ships over the course of the war.^[2] Early models included theV-19 Torrent starfighter^[143] and theClone Z-95 Headhunter.^[145] New fighters were added to the Navy in the final months of the war.^[2] TheAggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter represented the latest design in starfighter technology,^[146] while theAlpha-3Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters incorporated the design improvements of the ARC-170 an the earlier V-19.^[147]

Jedi Order[]

The Galactic Republic placed its faith in and full trust into the Jedi Order,^[148] relying on Jedi Knights to safeguard peace and maintain justice in the realm.^[48] It was with the Order's aid that the Galactic Senate was able to govern the galaxy for a thousand years.^[124] The Order's allegiance was to the Senate,^[2] though by the final years of the Republic, the Jedi regarded politics with skepticism, believing politicians were untrustworthy. Nonetheless, the Order maintained a close relationship with the Republic to uphold their mandate as keepers of the peace.^[9]

The Order could identify Force-sensitives shortly after their birth, as long as they were born within the Republic.^[10] Offering a Force-sensitive child to the Order was considered a great honor by the majority of the Republic's population, as well as a personal sacrifice.^[26] The Order became the true family of every child brought into its ranks,^[149] and Jedi doctrine did not permit them to know their birth families. Therefore, familial attachment was surrendered in service to the Order.^[26]

While the Order numbered ten-thousand strong at the height of the Clone Wars,^[150] their ranks were insufficient for the defense of the Republic. Therefore, the Jedi were compelled to lead the clone army^[9] with the aim of bringing a swift and decisive end to the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists.^[86] With no end to the war in sight, however, anti-war protests broke out on Coruscant where Republic citizens decried their leaders and the Jedi alike.^[1] When the Clone Wars ended, Darth Sidious accused the Order of staging a rebellion to overthrow the Senate and their chancellor. The Senate supported the chancellor's actions, which included the purging of the Order followed by the Republic's reorganization into the Galactic Empire.^[2]

Economy[]

TheRepublic credit was thecurrency of the Galactic Republic. Beyond Republic space, however, credits had no value on frontier worlds like Tatooine.^[10]

The Republic possessed immense economic power,^[152] having maintained peace—with the aid of the Jedi Knights—throughout the known galaxy for almost a millennium. Peace, in turn, promoted commerce. Under the Republic's protection, Naboo and other culturally rich worlds were able to profit from lucrative tourism.^[16]

The business sector experienced an exponential growth in wealth and influence through widespread commercialism, with massive corporations funneling substantial amounts of capital into advertising their essential services to the wider galaxy. This unbridled "brand-building" initiative generated steady profits for vast enterprises like the Trade Federation.^[16]

The Republic's expansion into the Outer Rim Territories proved lucrative to both the galactic government and the private sector.Eleven Star Marketing, a subsidiary of the Trade Federation, worked closely with theRepublic Ministry of Economic Development topropagandize the exploration and colonization of the Outer Rim, convincing the lower class citizens of the Inner Rim to see the galactic frontier as an opportunity for profit. This arrangement would entangle Republic politicians with corporate lobbyists, both of which profited from the flow of settlers who had to pay tariffs and registration fees in order to reach the Outer Rim through one of the Federation's hyperspace routes.^[16]

The Separatist Crisis had a significant impact on the Republic economy, with major worlds, like Serenno, Raxus, and Onderon seceding from the pan-galactic union. As a result, the Republic lost access to the resources and tax revenue of the Separatist worlds. Diminished taxation revenue only compounded the Republic's debt, throwing the Senate into a crisis that ultimately led to open war between the Republic and the Separatist Alliance.^[16]

The Clone Wars disrupted the galactic economy as the Senate exhausted its options to fund the Grand Army of the Republic while staving off bankruptcy.^[151] The government urged its people to buywar bonds, usingpropaganda to convince the citizenry that it was their patriotic duty to give financial support to the war effort. In addition, the Republic sought to keep its war chest filled by imposing higher taxes on civilian skylanes, however unprecedented it was on cosmopolitan worlds like Coruscant.^[16]

The Senate also weighed the need for additional clone troopers against the corresponding cost of growing supplemental units to replenish the Grand Army's ranks.^[151] Funding the military had all but bankrupted the Republic treasury, which, in turn, shut down some of the basic services that the Republic had always provided for civilians who lived in the lower levels of Coruscant.^[153]

The Republic imposed regulations on the banking industry prior to the Clone Wars, but the war's increasing cost led the Senate to consider deregulating the banks in order to access new lines of credit. After much debate, the Senate passed theRepublic financial reform bill. The banks were deregulated, and the Republic submitted applications for further loans to support the production of more clone units.^[151]

Following the Republicinvasion of Scipio, theInterGalactic Banking Clan surrendered its financial assets to the office of Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine. As a result, the Republic gained direct control over one of the galaxy's most influential commerce guilds.^[154]

Though the Clone Wars had exacted a heavy toll on the Republic treasury,^[16] the Republic remained a powerful economic force in the galaxy.^[152] The Separatist Alliance, while supported by the resources of corporate barons,^[16] was eventually overwhelmed by the economic and military power of the Republic.^[152]

Science and technology[]

The Galactic Republic invested in aesthetics and technological advancements for the starship industry. During the Republic's reign, starships were designed to be aesthetically pleasing in order to meet the customers' demand for "style and elegance" in their vessels. Craftsmanship, however, gave way to practicality as the Republic transitioned into the Galactic Empire, leading to the decline of sleek lines in favor of harsh uniformity, mass production, and sheer size.^[26]

Cloning was a science in which an organism was "genetically duplicated into one or more identical copies." While neither the Senate nor the Jedi had any knowledge of the clone army's development prior to the Clone Wars, the Republic became heavily invested in the field of genetics throughout its conflict with the Separatists. The Kaminoans used their skills to transform the science of cloning into big business, resulting in the mass production of clone troopers who numbered in the millions. Their expertise all but perfected the art of genetic duplication. However, cloninghumans was still a flawed science that occasionally produced aberrations. Nevertheless, the Kaminoans' cloning methods made it possible to alter clones at the genetic level, making them more docile and age twice as fast as natural-born humans.^[26] They were also just as capable of engineering a clone for the purpose of pure genetic replication, giving it neither growth acceleration nor behavioral modification for greater docility.^[9]

The Clone Wars gave the Republic an incentive to spearhead technological innovation in spacecraft and terrestrial transportation for military purposes. The result was a legacy with far-reaching effects in the industry of science and technology. The Star Destroyer, the most visible representative of modern militarycapital ships, originated with the development of the Republic Navy'sVenator-class Star Destroyer. TheX-wing starfighter evolved from theZ-95 Headhunter; theBTL Y-wing starfighter was developed during the Clone Wars, and was still considered relevant long after the Republic's time. The Republic developed all terrainwalkers, including the six-leggedAll Terrain Tactical Enforcer, as a response to the SeparatistArmored Assault Tank and other droid battle tanks. This in turn influenced the developmental design of far larger vehicles, such as the ImperialAll Terrain Armored Transport and the First OrderAll Terrain MegaCaliber Six, than what the Republic fielded in the Clone Wars.^[26]

The Republic employed brilliantscientists, such asDoctorSionver Boll^[156] and DoctorNala Se,^[157] who contributed their expertise to the war effort against the Separatists.^[92][158] Boll developed the electro-proton bomb,^[156] an experimental explosive device capable of generating a massive burst ofelectromagnetic pulse energy to disable battle droids and any other form of technology.^[92] Nala Se was the foremost scientist in the field of cloning; she supervised the development of the Republic's clone army,^[157] although Boll was also familiar with cloning as Chancellor Palpatine ordered her to clone a dead Zillo Beast.^[96]

TheRepublic Special Weapons Group was formed to oversee the development of military technology more advanced than conventional weapons of warfare.^[159] The group was composed of technologists like Wilhuff Tarkin andOrson Callan Krennic;^[7] using theGeonosians'schematics for amoon-sizedbattle station, they began implementing plans to construct theultimate weapon. Their work continued after the Republic fell, and after years of delay theDS-1 Death Star Mobile Battle Station was made operational by the Empire. Both its size and power inspired the creation of more advanced weapons with thecapacity to destroy planets, from the ImperialDS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station to the First Order'sStarkiller Base and theaxial superlasercannons of theFinal Order'sXyston-class Star Destroyers.^[26]

According toPeli Motto, atechnician who lived on Tatooine, technology from the era of the Galactic Republic was rare by the time of the New Republic Era. Nevertheless, Motto endeavored to acquire the parts needed torebuild a derelictN-1 starfighter for her client, the MandalorianDin Djarin. As a Galactic Republic-era starfighter, the N-1 was made of pre-Empire handmade components and therefore not manufactured by droids. One such component was aturbonic venturi power assimilator that Motto acquired from a group ofJawas.^[155]

Society and culture[]

Civilization[]

The Galactic Republic governed the galaxy as a democratic union,^[1] and as such, it featured a diverse society of humans and various alienspecies.^[16] Coruscant in particular was emblematic of Republic society with its diverse mix of citizens and culture, making the Republic capital the "vibrant heart" of the galaxy.^[152] Overall, being a galactic government, trillions lived under the Republic, with every one of those beings an individual who had their own thoughts and opinions on current issues; as such, complete consensus was impossible, yet successful Chancellors, like Lina Soh, nonetheless proved it was possible to bring about effective, galactic rule. In Soh's case, she argued to her people the advantage of coming together to make life better for all. Others failed to bring about that same unity by making impossible promises, threats, or abusing power.^[6]

The Core Worlds, where Coruscant was located, was home to the most developed systems in the Republic. Various Core planets served as capitals for galactic governments such as the Old Republic, the Empire, and the New Republic. The prosperity of the Core made its worlds the wealthiest and most prestigious members of the Republic, though it was also a source of tension between the Core and the more distant regions of the galaxy. People who lived outside of the Core generally viewed "Core Worlders" as arrogant, entitled, and apathetic to the well-being and needs of other regions. A common criticism of Republic politics was that the system disproportionately favored the Core Worlds to the point of ignoring the rest of the galaxy.^[26]

Coruscant was perceived as perpetuating the Core Worlds' reputation for extreme wealth and privilege. Notwithstanding its unique status as the galactic capital, the whole planet was covered by a city of levels built upon levels throughout the ages of galactic history. The tallest skyscrapers rose over five-thousand levels above the planet's natural surface, and only those who could afford to live in the upper city had access to the comfortable and luxurious lifestyle for which Coruscant was famous. The disparity was such that the lower levels were notorious for widespread crime, poverty, and being devoid of natural sunlight.^[26]

Republic architecture was an architectural style that demonstrated sweeping lines. This particular design was prominently featured on the city-covered planet of Coruscant, although by the time of the Clone Wars, the Republic gradually adopted a brutalist or bold form of architecture. Introduced by military architects such as Orson Krennic, it ultimately supplanted the Republic style as the dominant architectural form of the Galactic Empire.^[160]

Galactic Basic Standard was the most prevalentlanguage in the Republic,^[161] spoken primarily by humans^[162] and thePantorans.^[163] A heavily accented dialect of Basic, with many differences in grammar and vocabulary, was spoken by the Gungans of Naboo.^[10] The translation of the Sith language, known asur-Kittât, was forbidden under Galactic Republic law.Protocol droids were consequently programmed against translating the language of the Sith. Darth Sidious believed that the Republic outlawed ur-Kittât out of fear of the Sith Order and its knowledge.^[164]

The peaceful age of the Republic allowed the people of the galaxy to pursue leisure activities, some of which achieved galactic-level attention. TheBoonta Eve Classic, while based on the independent Outer Rim world of Tatooine, beyond the Republic frontier, received coverage and attention as far as the Core Worlds. Prior to the Clone Wars, the Republic's twilight years became an era of escapism as citizens of all classes sought entertaining distractions from their daily lives. Professional podrace circuits and other circuses diverted the people's attention from the growing corruption that permeated the Galactic Senate. Nevertheless, the general public's fascination with various forms of entertainment was driven by an innate desire for stories about good versus evil and situations of escalating danger.^[16]

Whereas the Republic evolved through the centuries of its existence, the Jedi Order remained rooted in its ancient traditions, effectively putting theJedi Code at odds with a galactic society that strongly favored the future over the past. The inhabitants of the Core Worlds became fixated on notions of fame and fashion, and had little interest in Jedi principles like faith and tradition. The Order maintained its place in the Republic by relying on historic precedent, serving as keepers of peace and justice. Unlike corporate institutions that marketed their services to the greater galaxy, the Order had little desire to promote itself through image-building. Aside from those who witnessed the Jedi's heroics^[165] and were awed by theirForce powers, the Order and its ways were forever mysterious to the majority of the Republic citizenry. The Jedi were seen by the public as an order of mystics at best and, at worst, regarded as a zealous sect of warmongers.^[16]

As a result of territorial expansion, the Republic developed a sense of manifest destiny. This cultural belief was cultivated by Republic propagandists who sought to foster civic pride among the populace so that they would ultimately feel duty-bound to support the Republic's expansion from rim to rim. There was an exponential growth in Republic patriotism due to the Clone Wars and the accompanying propaganda that promoted loyalty to the state. Patriotic messages stirred an entire generation into action; however, they could not enlist in the Grand Army as its ranks were exclusive to clone troopers. Nevertheless, Republic citizens felt obliged to do their part by purchasing war bonds, reporting acts of treason, and making sacrifices to support the war effort.^[16] TheRepublic crest, the symbol of a united galaxy under the Force,^[166] was emblazoned on military war machines and heraldry, featuring more prominently than before.^[16]

Although the Republic expanded into the Outer Rim Territories, the region was too underdeveloped to have the same stability as the Core Worlds. As the galaxy's largest region, the Outer Rim featured a myriad of diversity through its various planets and species. The Republic government had little oversight over the Outer Rim due to the region's distance from the Core, and as such the Outer Rim remained known for its lawless, sparsely populated, and primitive worlds. Republic law was virtually non-existent in the Outer Rim; as a result, bounty hunters, outlaws and smugglers were able to operate with impunity,^[26] andslavery was still practiced in spite of the Republic's anti-slave laws.^[10]

Xenophobia[]

During the High Republic Era, Chancellor Soh wanted to promote unity amongst the various species that made up the Republic, using the phrase "We are all the Republic" to let the population know they were all part of the system;^[6] however,xenophobia was an issue in a society as diverse as the Republic. Although the Republic officially promoted unity among its member worlds^[16] and outlawed the enslavement ofsentient species,^[10] some people were subjected to racial stereotypes.Neimoidians, for example, were considered obese, duplicitous and avaricious by some, including those who harbored anti-corporate views. This perception of their race was a product of Neimoidian culture, which cultivated a "survival of the fittest" mentality in Neimoidianyounglings.^[16]

The Trade Federation used xenophobic sentiments as a means to silence its critics, insinuating that those who sought tocurtail the Federation's massive influence were prejudiced towards its Neimoidian leaders. TheMuuns likewise had an image problem due to their monopoly in the InterGalactic Banking Clan. In general Muuns saw little need to build a relationship of stability and trust with the galaxy; they simply assumed that their place in society was to continue dominating galactic finances. Their cultural standards informed their business practices; therefore, Muun-sponsored advertisements were viewed as "distant and disconnected."^[16]

During the Clone Wars, anti-alien prejudice grew as a result of the non-human races that constituted the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Vice Chancellor Mas Amedda sought to promote the Republic's multicultural aspect, having taken notice of the attention given to human citizens by the Republic media. Rather than reporting on Amedda's effort to showcase Republic diversity,HoloNet News outlets focused on the Vice Chancellor's self-inclusion as the soleChagrian in an assembly of various aliens. The populace decried Amedda'smessage of strength and unity, and considered him an egocentric narcissist.^[16]

The Clone Wars also inflamed the population'santi-droid sentiment to new levels due in no small part to the Separatists' reliance on battle droids. Droids had long become commonplace in galactic society, and though machines had always been the property of organics, the war cemented the view that droids were an existential threat to biological life. The Republic capitalized on this sentiment, using propaganda to illustrate droids as ruthless and dangerous tools of destruction. While the the concept of "droid terror" was embodied by battlefield machines, such as theB1-series battle droid,B2-series super battle droid, and thedroideka, administrativeaide droids were viewed as a different kind of "droid threat" to Republic security. There was a growing fear among the Core's affluent population that the personal assistant droids of businessbeings and government administrators could be co-opted through spyware and used for Separatistespionage.^[16]

Despite the Jedi Order's millennia of service to the Republic,^[26] there was widespreadanti-Jedi sentiment as a result of the Clone Wars.^[16] The Sith plotted to undermine the relationship between the Republic citizenry and their Jedi guardians,^[148] using the Clone Wars to shake the Republic's faith in the Order.^[16] The Order fought hard to bring a swift and decisive end to the conflict,^[2] but many citizens believed that the Jedi were warmongers. This perception was able to grow due in part to the Jedi's reluctance to accept accolades or embrace the fame of their status. It was the Order's preference to serve but not engage the populace; as such, the population's anti-Jedi views were the result of the Order's cultural absence as opposed to an actual refutation of their ways.^[16]

Astrography[]

With Coruscant—birthplace of the human species^[167]—as its capital,^[16] the expansion of the Galactic Republic occurred along pioneeringhyperspace routes. Survey teams established navigational beacons in outlying territories such as theTertiary Usaita system,^[168] allowing colonists from the Core Worlds to venture outward towards the Outer Rim in search of opportunity and a better life.^[169]

The Galactic Republic existed across the known galaxy, stretching from the Core Worlds to the Outer Rim Territories. The Core Worlds was the heartland of the Republic, home to cosmopolitan worlds such as Coruscant^[16] andHosnian Prime^[170] as well as Alderaan, one of the oldest and most prestigious planets in the Republic.^[171] Over time, Republic expansionism led to the annexation of new member worlds.^[16] The planet Naboo, located in the Mid Rim, was annexed by the Republic^[93] in867 BBY.^[172]

During the High Republic Era, during which time the Republic actively sought out new hyperspace lanes^[65] and new member worlds in the Outer Rim,^[6] Chancellor Orlen Mollo reflected on the positive paradox that was Republic expansion; with each new hyperlane, the Republic grew while the galactic community became smaller. As such, it was easier for the galaxy's planets to interact with each other. Beyond prospecting new hyperspace routes, the Republic was also actively working to expand communications^[65] into a functioning network in the Rim,^[59] attempting to further alliances, and hoping to shut down brewing conflicts.^[65] The Republic exerted most of its power from the Core Worlds to the borders of the Mid Rim, to the extent that corporations conducted their legally dubious practices in regions where the Republic held little sway^[16] despite the work done to bring those worlds into the galactic community during the High Republic Era.^[6]

Faced with issues like overpopulation and poverty among the lower classes, the Republic turned its attention to the Outer Rim, adopting a policy of expansion toward the uncharted territories of the known galaxy's farthest frontier. Those who inhabited the congested worlds of the galactic core were beckoned into deep space by political and corporate sponsored messages of life filled with adventure and mystery.^[16] Such a call to new horizons could be seen during the High Republic Era, where brave citizens and families of the overpopulated Core and Colonies worlds moved to the Outer Rim through the few well-mapped hyperspace routes into the Rim. Still, the Outer Rim in specific could be home to dangers like the Nihil who took advantage of the lack of Republic law, with the Nihil waging war with the Republic for daring to enter their homelands.^[6] Into the late Republic Era, the Outer Rim remained a region where the Republic held little authority^[10] despite the work done in the High Republic period.^[6]

Although the Republic opposed secession, it effectively lost control over the territories that formed the Separatist Alliance. Its territorial extent changed numerous times over the course of the Clone Wars, with worlds lost and reclaimed by the Grand Army of the Republic. However, the Republic also gained new territory as a result of the war. Geonosis, the planet where the Separatist Droid Army was secretly constructed, existed beyond the Republic's borders.^[16] The Republic Militaryoccupied theGeonosian homeworld after the First Battle of Geonosis, and subsequently returned toreconquer the planet after it fell back under Separatist control.^[8] TheKaminoan government formally joined the Republic; as such, Kamino^[16]—anextragalactic planet^[87]—was accorded full representation in the Galactic Senate, having supplied the Republic with its clone industry.^[16]

Behind the scenes[]

The Galactic Republic was first mentioned in the newStar Warscanon as the "Old Republic" through the1977 filmStar Wars: Episode IVA New Hope, directed byGeorge Lucas.^[19] The entity first appeared and was first identified as the "Galactic Republic" in the1999 filmStar Wars: Episode IThe Phantom Menace, also directed by Lucas.^[10]

Appearances[]