Star Wars: The Empire Was Right
Let’s talk about the possibility that the bad guys were right all along.
The bulk of the Star Wars franchise centers around the rise, rule, and eventual fall of the evil Galactic Empire. The conflict with the Empire is the driving force behind the original trilogy, which was only later re-contextualized as part of a larger Jedi vs. Sith struggle. Even the Sequel Trilogy, which takes place long after the end of the Empire, deals with its fallout.
It’s generally accepted that the Empire is evil and that its rule is illegitimate and wrong. However, looking at the grander scheme of things, it becomes clear that in very many ways, the Empire was right and, despite its excesses, may well have been a positive force in the galaxy. Let us dig in.
The Horrible Republic
The First Galactic Empire replaced the Republic, later known as the Old Republic, in 19 ABY. When it did so, the Republic was a shadow of its former self. Its government needed replacement has proved incapable of the massive reform needed. The Republic had, for decades, suffered from corruption, stagnation, and a weak, ineffectual central government. The central government repeatedly failed to keep the peace among its member worlds and ignored vast inequity. At a basic level, it was unable to protect the rights of its citizens and allowed slavery to flourish, despite being outlawed, not only in border territories but on its own worlds.
Though the Republic’s decline was accelerated in the later years by the machinations of the Sith, ultimately leading to the Clone Wars, the grievances against the government were real and valid. Indeed, before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, the Separatists did attempt to push for reform — efforts which failed.
Even staunch Republic Loyalists such as Senators Amidala and Organa agreed that the Republic was flawed, and the Separatists had valid concerns. However, rather than continue to work for a peaceful solution, the Republic launched an invasion of a member world using an army of indoctrinated religious zealots and slave soldiers. The world’s only crime had been attempting to carry out its own internal legal process. The result was a civil war. Ultimately, as evidenced throughout the Clone Wars and Prequels, the Republic was a corrupt and failed state.
Empire’s Rise
After the chaos of the Clone Wars, the Empire seems to have been initially very popular. The new government restored peace and order. It cracked down on corruption, smuggling, and piracy. It rebuilt and expanded. It did so while maintaining a somewhat Democratic system of rule. Indeed the Imperial Senate remained a major part of the government for the bulk of the Empire’s existence. The Imperial Charter codified laws and acted as a check against excess for a good period. While Imperial Law could be draconian and brutal at times, one must wonder if it was any worse than the random extrajudicial killings and dismemberment practiced by the Jedi with the blessing of the Old Republic.
For a huge number of people, the Age of the Empire was a time of peace and tranquility and a welcome break in what would end up being more than a half-century of chaos and war. Throughout comics, books, and shows we have proof that for many people, the Empire made things better and inspired great loyalty. While the Republic relied on slave soldiers to protect it, the Empire’s armies were mostly volunteer forces, though conscription was used as well. The promises the Empire made – peace, stability, and the rule of law – where kept mainly in most of the galaxy.
The Flaws
Let it not be said that the Empire was without flaws. The greatest of these was it’s human-centralism. The Empire evolved to be a human-dominated society, and non-humans were often relegated to the status of second class citizens. Though there were exceptions, Mas Amedda, a Chagrin, remained Imperial Vizier for the entire Imperial Era.
In some regions, this had little effect as isolated worlds might not feel the burden as much. However, in the core, it was certainly felt and led not only to eventual injustices but to the exploitation of several non-human worlds. Also, the Empire legalized slavery. While it seems to have cracked down on human slaves, there was certainly a rise in non-human enslavement.
Most of the Empire’s flaws seem to have developed over time. With the first decade or so of Imperial rule being somewhat of a golden age. The Empire initially provided well for its citizens and was a more effective government then the Republic even at the end. As time progressed, however, the Empire became more tyrannical. It’s possible this was solely due to the machinations of its Sith Ruler slowly accruing power. However, some elements are a result of the ongoing uprisings and Rebellions plunging regions into chaos and leading to increasing drastic tactics.
After The Fall
“Judged by any metric—safety, prosperity, trade, opportunity, peace — compare Imperial rule to what is happening now. Look outside, is the world more peaceful since the revolution? I see nothing but death and chaos.”
After the Battle of Endor, the Empire was replaced by the New Republic. This government promised to undo the evils of Imperial rule and restore peace and justice to the galaxy. The New Republic quickly proved incapable of this. Chaos reigned across large parts of the galaxy; there was a jump in crime and lawlessness.
Although brief flashes of hope, the New Republic era seems to have been a worse time than any previous period, slavery was allowed to continue to flourish, and the government proved too weak to deal with major threats — including a growing terrorist movement. During the New Republic Era, many pined for the return of the Empire. The New Republic was ultimately destroyed by the terrorist organization, the First Order. During the fall of the New Republic, it seemed like very few member worlds attempted to save it.
Case Study: Tatooine
Tatooine is one of the most visited locations in all the Star Wars galaxy. It appears in seven of the nine Skywalker movies as well as showing up in Rebels, The Clone Wars, and The Mandalorian. As such, we can chart the status of this world through the eras.
In the Prequels under the Old Republic, Tatooine is a lawless place outside of Republic control and run by crime bosses. Slavery flourishes and the Republic and their Jedi, while aware of this, do nothing. Hardscrabble farmers try to make a living but are under attack by the local Sand People. It is a brutal place with few ties to the greater galaxy.
Under the Empire, we see the place has evolved. While the crime bosses and smugglers remain, their control has been tempered by Imperial rule. Local businesses such as Mos Eisley Cantina flourish with a diverse crowd of patrons. Bands such as Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes travel the galaxy and play on Tatooine (maybe not as their first choice). Slavery seems to have become less common — it exists in the lairs of crime bosses, possibly illegally, but what else would you expect in such a hive of scum and villainy?
Mos Eisley is a bustle, thriving town. The farmers live a more peaceful life with the Sand People staying away from cities and homesteads, only attacking those who venture into their lands. Luke seems to have had a peaceful and safe childhood with his friends. The Imperial Academy system even offers a chance for frontier farm boys to travel the stars and get an education.
Returning to Tatooine after the fall of the Empire, we see a return to lawlessness. Bodies are left to rot in the streets, and Sand People waylay travelers outside of the major cities. The Cantina is a shell of itself, and local businesses seem to run down. The city of Mos Eisley is almost a ghost town. The place is even more of a backwater than before. On our last return to Tatooine, we see that once prosperous farms have been left to rot, a possible sign that settlers are no longer coming to the world. Out of all of these eras, the Imperial Era offers the best and most positive view of Tatooine.
Final Thoughts
The Empire was flawed. It was ruled by a Sith Lord who slowly corrupted the system. Ultimately, however, it was also right. It provided a better and more stable form of government than either the Old or the New Republic. In its first decade, it proved that the idea of the Empire was viable and a positive force in the galaxy. Arguably the average person was better off under Imperial rule than under Republic rule.
How the Empire could have been reformed is also shown. One of the long-running EU plot lines was the reformation of the Empire, which, by the time of the Legends Era, was on the way to being the most stable and peaceful government we’ve seen in Star Wars. For all their high morals, those who rebelled against Imperial rule caused the deaths of untold trillions and failed to do any better. The Empire was undone, and undermined, by the excesses of a handful of high ranking radicals and secret members of a religious cult, and not by its core promise.
Let us know what you think about the Empire down in the comments.
