Rebel Alliance

A union that formed from scattered cells of resistance to Imperial rule and set itself the goal of restoring the Republic. The foundations of the alliance were laid by senators, among them Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, and the formal occasion for open revolt was the public disclosure of the Empire's intentions.

The Alliance had a small fleet, starfighter squadrons, and a network of bases that had to be changed frequently. Its agents obtained the plans for the Death Star battle station, which made it possible to destroy it in the Battle of Yavin; later the base on Hoth had to be abandoned under attack by Imperial forces.

The decisive engagement was the Battle of Endor, where the second station, the Emperor, and Darth Vader were destroyed. After this victory the Alliance was transformed into the New Republic, which carried the war against the remnants of the Empire through to its end.