Old Galactic Empire

"We are an Empire ruled by the majority! An Empire ruled by a new Constitution! An Empire of laws, not of politicians! An Empire devoted to the preservation of just society. Of a safe and secure society! We are an Empire that will stand for ten thousand years!"

- Palpatine

The Galactic Empire, also known as the New Order, the Old Galactic Empire, the First Galactic Empire, Palpatine's New Order, or simply the Empire, was the totalitarian and imperialistic 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 almost 25,000 years, ended following a period of intense political turmoil and the devastation of the Clone Wars. After General Grievous was defeated at the Battle of Utapau, and shortly after the leaders of the Confederacy of Independent Systems were being killed on Mustafar by Darth Vader, Palpatine began a purge of the Jedi Order, declared himself Emperor of the galaxy and reorganized the Galactic Republic into the first Galactic Empire.