Following the Galactic Empire's seizure of the Outer Rim world of Lothal, which is detailed in the takeover article, there was an increase in rebellious actions on Lothal. Some of the first rebels were Ephraim and Mira Bridger, who broadcast messages of hope and resistance against the Empire. The Imperial war machine suppressed these individuals and independent groups, and during the Imperial governorship of Lothal, protests and rebel actions were met with mass arrests and severe crackdowns. Ryder Azadi, the Governor of Lothal who secretly sympathized with the rebels, was arrested along with Ephraim and Mira Bridger, and other members of the government.
By 5 BBY, a spark of rebellion had been lit, and Ezra Bridger, the offspring of Ephraim and Mira Bridger, became a member of the Spectres, a rebel cell, and transmitted a message promoting resistance. The Empire responded harshly, raiding suspected rebel hideouts and arresting suspected rebels.