The Treatment of Gungans Under the Galactic Empire and the Battle for Naboo

During the transition from the Republic to the Galactic Empire, alien sentient species, such as the Gungans of Naboo, faced harsh realities under the new regime. While the general population of aliens was relegated to second-class citizenship status, the Gungans, particularly, were subjected to a series of repressive policies that eroded their social and political rights.

From Clone Wars to Galactic Empire

Following the conclusion of the Clone Wars, the Galactic Empire was established, and the 501st Legion was deployed to Naboo for the first time in its history. The aim was to contribute to the adjustment and stabilization of Naboo's administration under new leadership. Historically, in the Legends lore, the young Queen of Naboo was killed, leading to the installation of a puppet queen by the Empire to maintain control over the planet. Concurrently, the Naboo military apparatus was stripped of its combat capabilities, including the disbandment of the Royal Naboo Security Forces (RNSF) starfighter wing.

Prosperity and Isolation for the Gungans

While Naboo experienced relative prosperity under the Empire, this period was a time of great fear and uncertainty for the Gungans. Being apprehensive about potential reprisals from Emperor Palpatine's brutal regime, many Gungans chose to scatter and withdraw into seclusion. This seclusion became a defining trait of their experiences throughout the reign of the Galactic Empire.

However, not all Gungans were content with this isolation. A small, rebellious group of Gungans organized and engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Imperial stormtroopers stationed on Naboo's surface. Their resistance was a testament to their resilience and desire for freedom. This clandestine struggle persisted until the fall of Emperor Palpatine, who was believed to have perished aboard the second Death Star.

The Battle for Naboo Reunited the Two Species

The liberation of Naboo saw a significant shift in dynamics. The surviving Gungans and humans united to counterattack the remaining Imperial garrison. This battle was successful, leading to a reunion of Gungans and Naboo, similar to the events during the Battle of Naboo that occurred during the Clone Wars. Both species worked together, once again, to reclaim their planet from the occupation.

The Fall of Emperor Palpatine and Operation Cinder

Although the victory was bittersweet, it was short-lived. Emperor Palpatine's last will and testament included an operation known as Operation Cinder. This contingency plan was designed to punish the Empire for failing to prevent the Emperor's demise. It entailed the orbital bombardment of key locations across the galaxy using advanced satellite weapons.

Notably, even Emperor Palpatine's homeworld, Naboo, was not spared from this retaliatory assault. The bombardment resulted in significant ecological damage, disrupting the delicate ecological balance of the planet. This environmental catastrophe had far-reaching implications for Naboo's inhabitants and marked the end of the Gungans' effective isolation, forcing them to confront the enduring challenges of living in a world changed by the Empire's actions.

Through it all, the Gungans' resilience and unity persisted, reflecting the themes of survival, resistance, and unity that define their legacy under the Galactic Empire.