“So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause.” This iconic quote often resonates with fans of Star Wars when discussing politics. It is articulated by Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) after the congressional takeover that transformed Senator Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) into the Emperor, marking the demise of the Republic. This powerful line encapsulates Padmé’s deep disillusionment with her colleagues and their susceptibility to the deceit of a warmongering dictator. The quote is frequently referenced when personal freedoms are jeopardized, yet it often goes unheeded. Worse still, society celebrates the emergence of a new regime that promises to exacerbate the situation for many.

While it may seem straightforward to view this line as the pinnacle of political criticism within Star Wars, it is essential to recognize that George Lucas‘ saga intricately weaves political themes throughout. When we analyze the series within its historical context, Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith stands out as a particularly striking commentary. Interestingly, Padmé’s remark about the death of liberty is not even the most politically charged within the film. That distinction belongs to Anakin Skywalker‘s (portrayed by Hayden Christensen) statement: “If you are not with me, then you are my enemy.” This line serves as a catalyst for Obi-Wan‘s (Ewan McGregor) memorable retort, “Only a Sith deals in absolutes,” reflecting the turbulent political climate of its era, where an imperial leader began to lose support domestically and internationally. The phrase is almost a direct echo of the rhetoric used by that leader, illustrating that George Lucas held firm beliefs regarding the politics of his nation, particularly its foreign policy.

The ‘Star Wars’ Prequels Marked a Pivotal Moment in American History

Released between 1999 and 2005, the Star Wars prequels debuted during a tumultuous period in American history. Just two years after the cinematic launch of The Phantom Menace, the nation faced an unparalleled tragedy when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, reshaping the global landscape and altering perceptions of security and freedom. In response, then-President George W. Bush addressed the nation, declaring, “Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.“

This statement was strategically crafted to quell any dissent regarding the military actions he intended to pursue, including the invasion of Afghanistan, the more contentious war on Iraq, and the PATRIOT Act, a law facilitating extensive surveillance of American citizens. Bush sought both ideological and material support for his forthcoming actions. Initially, a wave of support surged, echoing Padmé’s sentiment that liberty died with thunderous applause as national pride and sympathy took precedence. However, as time progressed, significant opposition began to emerge.

In 2003, between the release of Attack of the Clones in 2002 and Revenge of the Sith in 2005, President Bush initiated the controversial invasion of Iraq. This decision sparked significant debate, as the invasion of Afghanistan was largely justified by the country harboring Osama bin Laden. However, the rationale for attacking Iraq was far less clear-cut. Bush asserted that Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction, yet these weapons were never located. Other NATO allies questioned Iraq’s threat level, leading to a growing international backlash. Domestically, those who dared to voice their dissent against the absurdities of the Iraq War often found themselves silenced. Nevertheless, figures like The Dixie Chicks and George Lucas were vocal critics of Bush’s actions in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

‘Star Wars’ Became a Medium for Lucas’ Discontent with the Bush Administration

Lucas expressed his views openly, drawing parallels between George W. Bush and Darth Vader, while likening vice president Dick Cheney to Emperor Palpatine, clearly indicating who he believed was manipulating events behind the scenes. He utilized his central narrative—the saga he had created and was still developing in the mid-2000s—to voice his grievances. In this light, Anakin’s statement, “If you are not with me, then you are my enemy,” resonates profoundly with Bush’s declaration, “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists,” a connection that critics of the era readily recognized. If we remember that Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are in fact the same character, it becomes evident that Bush is akin to Anakin, standing over the lava of Mustafar and revealing to a dismayed Obi-Wan just how deeply he has succumbed to the Dark Side.

In recent times, memes highlighting how George Lucas astutely predicted a slide into fascism beginning with economic conflicts have become popular online. After years of some fans—who often complained that Star Wars had become overly political—there appears to be a renewed appreciation for the franchise’s political commentary, particularly regarding the prequels. The reality is that George Lucas and his creations have consistently reflected a sharp awareness of contemporary events. While The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith may be criticized for their campiness or perceived shortcomings, they undeniably present a compelling and realistic depiction of a political crisis, inspired directly by real-world events.