The Unification Wars represent a period of strife that culminated in the unification of several Core Worlds into what would become the Galactic Republic. These wars began circa 25,053 BBY, following closely on the heels of the fall of the Infinite Empire, which had previously held sway over the galaxy through enslavement. A notable figure, the warlord Zakrinand Minus, participated as a combatant on one side. The Jedi Order actively engaged in these conflicts, ultimately emerging victorious and subsequently aligning themselves with the newly formed Republic as guardians of peace.
Thousands of years prior to the outbreak of the Unification Wars, the Rakatan Infinite Empire rose to prominence as the dominant force throughout the galaxy. They subjugated numerous sentient species by utilizing their Force-based hyperdrive technology, until a devastating plague swept through and crippled their empire. The remaining Rakata lost their connection to the Force, rendering them unable to quell the subsequent slave rebellion. With the Infinite Empire's demise, other powers began to rise, including the Duros and the Corellians, who successfully reverse-engineered the Rakatan hyperdrive and started to explore the vastness of the galaxy.
The Unification Wars began by 25,053 BBY, before any single galactic power could re-assert dominance. Zakrinand Minus, a warlord of considerable notoriety, led forces on one of the warring factions and earned a reputation for being nearly unbeatable. The Force-sensitive Jedi Order took part in the conflict, ultimately securing victory by 25,053 BBY. Some historians have since suggested that the Jedi engaged with what they perceived as "evil" forces during the wars, and that they received assistance from the mystical Bendu monks in these battles.
In the wake of the wars, several Core Worlds joined together and established the Galactic Republic, adopting a governing constitution. The founders of this burgeoning democracy included prominent planets such as Coruscant, Corellia, Alderaan, and Duro. Initially hesitant, the Jedi ultimately integrated into the Republic a century after the wars, assuming the role of peacekeepers. The symbol used by the Bendu during the wars was later adopted as the official emblem of the Galactic Republic. The Republic would endure for twenty-five millennia, surviving numerous conflicts that threatened to destroy it.
The Unification Wars were first mentioned in the 2005 publication, Revenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections, which stated that the Republic was founded as a result of the conflict. However, most subsequent sources have disregarded the Unification Wars, generally indicating that the Republic was established through peaceful means.
- 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 (article) (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Dangerous Covenants (Indirect mention only)