The Expansionist Oligarchy was a cabal of corporate conglomerates that existed several centuries before the beginning of the Clone Wars[1] in 22 BBY.[2] The group pushed for the right of world development in the Outer Expansion Zone region from the Galactic Republic. However, upon acquisition of their rights, the Oligarchy engaged in several cruel labor practices akin to slavery, exploitation of natural resources, and suppression of labor uprisings. Eventually, the Oligarchy was shut down following intervention by the Republic.[1]
Despite the Republic's intervention, the same organizations and market forces which formed the Expansionist Oligarchy went on to establish the Corporate Sector some two centuries later. Compromises between the Republic and the corporations resulted in further division in the Republic and the Galactic Senate, pushing the Senate away from civilian interests and more towards the interests of the companies.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
The Expansionist Oligarchy was first mentioned in the current Star Wars canon in Rise of the Separatists, a 2019 supplement to Fantasy Flight Games' series of Star Wars Roleplaying products.[1] In the Star Wars Legends continuity, the Expansionist Oligarchy was introduced in The Essential Atlas, a 2009 reference book authored by Jason Fry and Daniel Wallace.[3]
Sources[]
- Rise of the Separatists (First mentioned)