The Spread of Order 66: Clones and the Attack on Wookiees

Introduction

In the expansive history of the Star Wars universe, Order 66 stands as a pivotal moment, marking the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire. However, beyond its immediate implications for the Jedi, Order 66 had far-reaching consequences, including the conflict against the Wookiees. This article delves into how the clones, acting under the command of Emperor Palpatine, turned their weapons on the Wookiees, drawing from multiple canon and source materials.

Understanding Order 66

Order 66, initiated by Emperor Palpatine (Darth Sidious), was a coded message delivered to the clone troopers of the Grand Army of the Republic. When issued, it turned the clone troopers against the Jedi, who were seen as a threat to the Empire's power. The aftermath of this order led to broader conflicts, with the Empire seeking to eliminate any potential opposition, including alien species that could pose a threat.

In the context of the Wookiees, who were not directly targeted by Order 66, the Empire still viewed them as a potential threat. They possessed numerous natural resources and the strength of the Wookiees made them excellent candidates for both military and slave labor. Therefore, the Empire deliberately targeted Kashyyyk, the homeworld of the Wookiees, shortly after the fall of the Republic.

Clones Attack Wookiees

The Empire's actions against the Wookiees were not merely retaliatory for the clones' mistreatment. The Wookiees had been aiding Jedi in hiding from the Empire, making them sympathetic to the cause of the Jedi. The clones, aware of this, became relentless in their attacks, leading to a chaotic period of violence and enslavement.

Historical records and sources, such as Revenge of the Sith and Jedi: Fallen Order, indicate that Kashyyyk was heavily guarded and monitored by the Empire. The Wookiees, reacting to the threat, defended their homeworld multiple times. For instance, in Revenge of the Sith, immediately after Order 66, Wookiees helped Yoda escape, but subsequently, the clones, acting on Palpatine's orders, killed many Wookiees. Kashyyyk was placed under Imperial control and locked down.

Wookiee Resistance and Battles

Despite the odds, the Wookiees continued to resist the Empire. In the aftermath of the Battle of Kashyyyk, which marked the fall of the planet to the Empire, the Wookiees saw multiple efforts from the Empire to secure the planet. One notable instance was the arrival of Darth Vader and the 501st Legion on Kashyyyk, in an attempt to eliminate any remaining Jedi.

Multiple Jedi, including Kento Marek, sought refuge on Kashyyyk. The Wookiees defended these Jedi multiple times, as seen in the Battle of Kashyyyk in Revenge of the Sith, where the Empire, including Darth Vader, attempted to eliminate the Wookiees and the Jedi. The Wookiees were repeatedly enslaved and shipped off to work on crucial Imperial projects such as the Death Star. The relentless defense and retaliation of the Empire against the Wookiees form a central part of the Star Wars narrative.

Conclusion

The fall of the Republic under the shadow of Order 66 marked the beginning of a new era of oppression and violence. Beyond the immediate destruction of the Jedi and the rise of the Empire, the Wookiees faced significant challenges as they were targeted for their support of the Jedi. The battles and conflicts that followed Order 66 serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of such pivotal moments in the galaxy's history.