The Galactic Empire in Star Wars lasted approximately 24 years. It was established by Emperor Palpatine around 19 years before the Battle of Yavin (the event in A New Hope), and its reign extended through the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The Empire officially collapsed about one year after Return of the Jedi during the Battle of Jakku, which marked the final defeat of its remaining forces. However, remnants of the Empire persisted in various forms, eventually evolving into the First Order seen in the sequel trilogy, which some consider the Empire's spiritual successor
. In summary:
- Empire formed: 19 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin)
- Duration until Battle of Jakku: about 24 years
- Official fall: roughly one year after Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
- Legacy continued through Imperial remnants and the First Order
Thus, while the core Empire lasted about two and a half decades, its influence and factions lingered much longer in the galaxy
