Star Wars and Politics

A Long time ago in a Galaxy far far away.................



The old Republic led by Chancellor Palpatine sought to rid the senate of corruption and win the clone wars. Throughout the war many looked to the Republic for guidance and security. Many saw that Palpatine was in control. Indeed he was in control. He controlled both sides of the war and deceived much of the galaxy. The Jedi tried to stop his hideous plans, but it was too late. The once proud and free Republic became the Galactic Empire.  This is a prime example of irony we discussed in class.

                                                                                   Below: Senator Lott Dod of the Trade Federation


Image result for tammany hallImage result for lott doddImage result for I am the senate


Although politics is not a major theme in Star Wars, it was an influence of many of the events that occur. Much of Star Wars is influenced by events that happened in the past. Whether it's a galaxy far far away  or just as close as Washington, corruption and deception runs wild. Corruption has been as old as the country itself. For me, corruption is Tammany Hall and Boss Tweed, who swindled new immigrants, swindled the vote, and swindled the very foundation of our Constitutional Republic. In the Star Wars universe large intergalactic corporations had seats in the Senate. An example is the Trade Federation, who used their seat to justify their military buildup. Tammany Hall was led by Boss Tweed a former U.S Senator, who used his influence to help control the politics and real estate development. Back then the way people voted was very different. Unlike the ballots today, people used to say who they voted for. The Tammany Hall political machine would send people to listen who voted for who and the order, to ensure the goal was met. Boss Tweed used Irish immigrants who were poor, lacking in food, job, and the ability to adapt an order to help the Democratic Party in New York. With the promise of food and a basic income Tammany Hall was able to control the Irish voters base. The irony here is that William (Boss) Tweed was a respected Politician in both the Senate and House of Reps and were role models of many citizens just like Palpatine. Not only did they both use political influence to pursue their personal ambition, further their personal gain, but also hurt the fabric of government they were in. Whether in movies or in real life the irony and concepts taught still exist.

Below: Separtist Propaganda against the Republic that is mostly true.           

Image result for galactic empire propaganda poster  Right below:Imperial Propaganda
Image result for galactic empire propaganda poster

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