Galactic Civil War

Definition

The Galactic Civil War is the conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire that covers the entire Original Trilogy.

Key dates

• Start: ~2 BBY (Alliance is formally founded, Andor era)
• Major battles: Yavin (0 BBY/ABY), Hoth (3 ABY), Endor (4 ABY)
• End: Battle of Jakku (5 ABY) — peace via the Galactic Concordance

Turning points

1. Stealing the Death Star plans (Rogue One)
2. Battle of Yavin — first Death Star falls
3. Hoth — Rebels lose their base
4. Endor — second Death Star falls, Emperor and Vader die

Why it matters

The Galactic Civil War is the classic Star Wars story: a small, principled rebellion against overwhelming tyranny — and it wins.