Galactic Empire
The Galactic Empire was formerly the Old Republic, a democratic interplanetary government based on the planet Coruscant. The Republic was subverted and twisted over years by then-Senator Palpatine, who, following the Clone Wars, eventually managed to install himself as Emperor and change the representative democracy into a dictatorship. The Senate of the Republic was dissolved, and the Galactic Empire was born.
The Rebel Alliance, with such heroes as Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian on their side, battled the Empire, sparking the Galactic Civil War with the Battle of Yavin. More and more star systems were liberated over the years, until, finally, the Empire was shattered at the Battle of Endor, where Palpatine and his lieutenant, Darth Vader, both died.
Expanded Universe
The Empire was replaced by the New Republic, though some pockets remained under Empire control for years to come and battled the burgeoning new government.
