The Unification Wars represent a series of battles that resulted in the Core Worlds joining together to establish the Galactic Republic, according to various accounts. These wars commenced around 25,053 BBY, following the fall of the Infinite Empire, which had previously subjected much of the galaxy to its rule. The infamous military leader Zakrinand Minus participated in the conflict, fighting for one of the opposing factions. The Jedi Order engaged in the wars, ultimately achieving victory and subsequently aligning themselves with the newly formed Republic as guardians of peace.
Thousands of years prior to the Unification Wars, the Rakatan Infinite Empire rose to become the dominant force throughout the galaxy. They enslaved numerous sapient species by utilizing their Force-based hyperdrives, until a devastating disease swept through their empire. The remaining Rakata were deprived of their connection to the Force, rendering them powerless to prevent the subsequent slave rebellion. The decline of the Infinite Empire paved the way for the rise of other civilizations, such as the Duros and Corellians, who successfully reverse-engineered the Rakatan hyperdrive technology and began to explore the galaxy.
Before a clear dominant power could re-emerge in the galaxy, the Unification Wars broke out, occurring by 25,053 BBY. The well-known warlord Zakrinand Minus led troops on one side of the conflict, gaining a reputation as a nearly unbeatable commander. The Force-sensitive Jedi Order participated in the war, eventually emerging as victors by 25,053 BBY. Later historians have suggested the Jedi fought against forces they considered "evil" during the wars, with assistance from the mystical Bendu monks.
In the wake of the wars, several planets within the Core Worlds region united, and the constitution for a Galactic Republic was established. Among the prominent founders of this thriving democracy were planets like Coruscant, Corellia, Alderaan, and Duro. Despite initial reservations about the Republic, the Jedi joined it a century after the wars concluded, assuming the role of peacekeepers. The symbol used by the Bendu during the conflict was later adopted as the official symbol of the Galactic Republic. The Republic endured for twenty-five thousand years, surviving numerous conflicts that threatened its existence.
The Unification Wars were initially mentioned in the 2005 publication Revenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections, which stated that the wars led to the Republic's establishment. However, the Unification Wars have been largely overlooked by subsequent sources, which generally suggest that the Republic was founded peacefully.
- Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections (First mentioned)
- Star Wars: Complete Cross-Sections
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections: The Prequel Trilogy
- Star Wars: Complete Vehicles
- The Imperial Warlords: Despoilers of an Empire, Part 2 on StarWars.com (backup link) (original link is obsolete)
- Dangerous Covenants (Indirect mention only)