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Representing the History of Imperialism in Star Wars

25 March 2026 09:30 - 14:30


Representing the History of Imperialism in Star Wars

Representing the History of Imperialism in Star Wars 

How well does the Star Wars franchise represent the historical realities of empire and imperialism? Come along to a ˽·¿¾ãÀÖ²¿ Inspire Day to find out!

Although the fantastical struggle between the Jedi and the Sith often takes centre stage in Star Wars media, many of the films, books, games, and television shows set in the Star Wars universe are fundamentally stories of anti-imperialism. In the original 1977 film directed by George Lucas, the Galactic Empire serves as the primary antagonist of the story, whereas the heroes of the tale are members of an anti-imperial organisation known as the Rebel Alliance. Now, after nearly fifty years of storytelling, the Star Wars franchise contains a wealth of media that accurately reflects the ways in which historic empires exerted control as well as how people responded to imperialism.

Across several interactive sessions, ˽·¿¾ãÀÖ²¿’s historians of imperialism and empire invite you to think about how empires have functioned throughout human history and uncover the ways in which the Star Wars franchise draws upon real historic examples to tell fantastical stories set in a galaxy far, far away.

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    Expected Behaviour

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    Rules and Regulations

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    • The purchase or use of any illegal substances is strictly forbidden.
    • Smoking is not permitted.
    • Students are expected to attend all timetabled activities (unless there is a valid reason for absence, such as illness).
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