Palpatine’s speech of declaring the Galactic Empire and himself as its eternal Emperor
was only briefly shown in the Revenge of the Sith.
The entire speech, known as the Declaration of a New
Order, was later published in the Star Wars Insider magazine following the movie’s release.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Citizens of the civilized galaxy, on this
day we mark a transition.
For a thousand years, the Republic stood as the crowning achievement
of civilized beings.
But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took
up arms to defend our way of life against the
Separatists.
In so doing, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within.
The Jedi, and some within our own Senate, had conspired to create the shadow of Separatism
using one of their own as the enemy's leader.
They had hoped to grind the Republic into ruin.
But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever.
At last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true natures.
The Jedi hoped to unleash their destructive power against the Republic by assassinating
the head of government and usurping control of
the clone army.
But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly opposed by those without elitist,
dangerous powers.
Our loyal clone troopers contained the insurrection within the Jedi
Temple and quelled uprisings on a thousand worlds.
The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated!
Any collaborators will suffer the same fate.
These have been trying times, but we have passed the test.
The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you
my resolve has never been stronger.
The war is over.
The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled.
We stand on the threshold of a new beginning.
In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the
Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society,
which I assure you will last for ten thousand years.
An Empire that will continue to be ruled by this
august body and a sovereign ruler chosen for life.
An Empire ruled by the majority, ruled by a
new constitution!
By bringing the entire galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance
of one individual, the corruption that plagued the
Republic in its later years will never take root.
Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to
grow unchecked.
A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.
Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded.
We will defend our ideals by force of arms.
We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together
against attacks from within or without.
Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who
challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed.
We have taken on a task that will be difficult, but the people of the Empire are ready for
the challenge.
Because of our efforts, the galaxy has traded war for peace and anarchy for stability.
Billions of beings now look forward to a secure future.
The Empire will grow as more planets feel the call, from the Rim to the wilds of unknown
space.
Imperial citizens must do their part.
Join our grand star fleet.
Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists.
Travel to the corners of the galaxy to spread the principles
of the New Order to barbarians.
Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our
glory for generations to come.
The clone troopers, now proudly wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled
the dangerous work of fighting our enemies on
the front lines.
Many have died in their devotion to the Empire.
Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.
The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicians.
The direction of our course is clear.
I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining.
We have been tested, but we have emerged stronger.
We move forward as one people: the Imperial citizens of the first Galactic Empire.
We will prevail.
Ten thousand years of peace begins today.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite the overwhelming thunderous applause,
the speech received during its initial proclamation within the Senate, it’s reception
among the politicians privately was met with mixed
feelings; as even the strongest supporters of Palpatine were wary of the drastic transformation
of the Republic into a hyper militarized Empire.
Nonetheless, a majority of them still supported Palpatine and his declaration out of fear
of losing their comfy positions as senators and
representatives.
A small handful of senators, such as Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, privately
discussed how Palpatine’s speech was likely made up entirely of lies, and that their fears
of him becoming a dictator were fully realized the
moment he had given the declaration.
The full transcript of the speech was later posted to the Republic holonet news, making
it the last broadcast of the Republic holonet station
before it was renamed the Imperial holonet.
Years later, the speech was recounted and printed
within all Imperial Officer handbooks, serving as an
inspirational text and outline of the Empire’s purpose, while also highlighting the chaotic
events that preceded the galaxy that made the Empire
necessary to be formed.