Already in the first film of Star Wars it is known: The Empire is the greatest danger to peace in the universe. However, after the events of Episode 3, one had to build up power and influence. This is done with several elements.
How was the Empire created? The Galactic Empire was founded by Darth Sidious (Palpatine) to allow the Sith to rule the galaxy after the Jedi had maintained peace for a long time. How the Galactic Republic is overthrown can be seen in Episodes 1 to 3.
However, the Empire was not built overnight. To remain the most powerful force in the universe, precautions must be taken.
Structure is important
How was the Empire structured? Although Palpatine is the head of the Empire as Emperor, he cannot control certain areas alone. To ensure that the galaxy remains under control, the Empire has a hierarchy.
- At the top is the Emperor.
- His quasi-right hand is Darth Vader. While he seems less involved in the theoretical leadership of the Empire, he takes care of problems outside and inside the Empire. Moreover, he is a powerful weapon feared by all.
- Palpatine also had Imperial Advisors, who came from different parts of the galaxy. The council of these advisors decided what role each person had in the imperial structures (via Wookiepedia).
- The Moffs and Grand Moffs oversaw various sectors in the universe.
- Below the Moffs were the planetary governors, who took care of troops and ships in smaller areas.
- At the bottom was the military. They did the dirty work for the Empire. There was also a hierarchy there.
What is interesting about the military is that the clones were gradually replaced by stormtroopers. According to Screen Rant, stormtroopers were cheaper than the clone program with Kamino. Although stormtroopers tended to be less efficient, during the height of the Empire, quantity was better than quality.
Palpatine basically utilized what the Galactic Republic had built, and after his coup, he used these structures to create a totalitarian system. However, to keep it that way, other aspects must also be strengthened.
A totalitarian system needs one thing above all: fear and propaganda
How did the Empire secure its control? To build and maintain the Empire, one must also focus on other aspects. One of them is fear. One aspect was data collection. Codes were made mandatory for travel. This allowed the collection of data on many beings and the ability to respond early to rebellions.
Additionally, communication must be restricted and controlled. After the Empire had risen, it took control of the Holonet and quickly secured it. This also allowed propaganda to be spread.
The Empire presented itself as a bringer of peace and made it difficult for the rebels to grow.
In addition to the imperial structures, there was also a Senate. This allowed the Empire to give other planets the illusion that they still had some say. However, after the plans for the Death Star were stolen, the Emperor also dissolved the Senate.
To spread fear, the Empire only had to build the Death Star. As a superweapon, it could prevent planets or larger armies from resisting it. Along with propaganda, it was a good method to initially maintain power, but even that did not help defeat the rebels. However, there were also weapons in Star Wars that were even worse than the Death Star: A weapon in Star Wars is worse than death, although it makes enemies immortal
