Star Wars: The Clone Wars, or That Time Palpatine Destroyed the Republic
The Clone Wars inspired two animated shows and hundreds of reasons to be sad about Clones, but what was it all about?
Even if your knowledge of Star Wars is pretty basic, chances are you’ve heard of the Clone Wars. This major event in the history of the series was the topic of much of the prequel movies. It also had two different animated series focusing on the events of this war.
But what were the Clone Wars? Who fought in them, and why? Let’s discuss.
The Clone Wars were a three-year war between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, also known as The Separatists.
What Were the Clone Wars?
At its most basic, Count Dooku and a few thousand systems from the outer, mid, and inner rims decided to leave the Republic. They cited issues with taxation, corruption, and general neglect from the overarching government of the Republic.
The galactic trade and banking groups sided with the Separatists. The Republic, led by Sheev Palpatine, held the loyalty of the Jedi Order.
A Hidden Agenda
For all its flash and drama, the Clone Wars were little more than cover for a darker agenda. Unbeknownst to many, Palpatine and Sith Master Darth Sidious were one and the same.
Even Dooku was unaware that the entire conflict was a plot by one man. Palpatine played both sides against each other to bring down the Jedi and the Republic. And that plot definitely succeeded.
Droids vs. Clones
Neither side was terribly interested in taking on many casualties. In fact, many individuals on both sides had little interest in actual fighting or war despite feeling very strongly about the outcome. So the solution both governments came up with was building individuals to fight for them.
The Separatists made an army of Battle Droids. These guys were built for a good time, not for a long time. Despite being created especially for combat, they were easy to destroy and not much more difficult to outwit.
Plus, something about them is undeniably goofy.
On the other end of the field, the Galactic Republic created the Clone Troopers. This is actually what the Clone Wars are named for.
Similarly, these clones are engineered for battle. They grow roughly twice as fast as a normal human, so the Republic could throw as many of them at the droid army as possible.
There are a lot of implications about the free will and humanity of sentient beings like clones and intelligent droids. But that’s a bummer Star Wars discussion for another day.
To lead these armies of super soldiers, Jedis stepped in as Generals. Jedis like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were found fighting on the frontline and commanding their squads.
The End of the Clone Wars
By the third brutal year of the Clone Wars, the Separatists were driven out into the Outer Rim. After a final assault that resulted in the loss of much of their fleet, the Separatists received their final blows with the defeat of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and the Separatists Council, ultimately winning the war.
This should have resulted in the reformation of a Republic and maybe even a peaceful galactic government. But instead, the end of the Clone Wars was coupled with Order 66 and the beginning of the Empire.
But that’s a breakdown for another day.
Which Clone Wars series is your favorite? Which moment or battle is most memorable to you? Do you think you would have sided with the Republic or the Separatists if you lived in the galaxy far far away? Let us know in the comments!
May the Force be with you, adventurers!
