Galactic Empire

The Galactic Empire, also known as the First Galactic Empire, Palpatine's New Order, the Imperium or simply the Empire and later the Old Empire, was the galactic government established by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to replace the Galactic Republic in 19 BBY and bring Sith rule to the galaxy.

The Republic, which had lasted for at least 25,034 years, ended following a period of intense political turmoil and the subsequent devastation of the Clone Wars. After the death of Count Dooku above Coruscant, the death of General Grievous on Utapau and finally the massacre of the leaders of the Confederacy of Independent Systems on Mustafar, Chancellor Palpatine (by then ruling with near-absolute power) began a purge of the Jedi Order, and then proclaimed himself Emperor of the galaxy and reorganized the Galactic Republic into "the first Galactic Empire" on the galactic capital, Coruscant.

The Galactic Empire collapsed in the aftermath of Emperor Palpatine's death during the Battle of Endor, leading to the formation of both the New Republic and Imperial Remnant, resulting in the effective partition of the former Empire.

Text and facts from the “Galactic Empire/Legends” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.