Following their victory over the First Galactic Empire’s Death Star superweapon, the Rebel Alliance was systematically hunted down throughout the farthest corners of the galaxy. Enter the second act of George Lucas’ space opera epic; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Following the incredible finale of the previous installment of A New Hope, the Empire Strikes back begins the action almost immediately.
In the first act, a poorly prepared Rebel Alliance defend against the massive onslaught of the Empire’s war machine on the ice world of Hoth. The conflict would result in the single worst military defeat of Rebel forces and became a legendary battle in the annals of the Star Wars universe. Here are some little-known facts about the quintessential battle against the tyrannical empire.
- The Battle of Hoth was fought in 3 ABY, or three years after the destruction of the first Death Star at the Battle of Yavin. The ice world of Hoth is located in the Anoat Sector and became the Rebel Alliance’s main base of operations after abandoning Yavin 4.
- The location of the rebel base on Hoth was discovered by the empire through the use of viper probe droids that had been deployed to various regions of the galaxy by Darth Vader. The probe droids would be encountered by Han Solo and Chewbacca who destroyed the units. Then, when Admiral Kendel Ozzel left lightspeed too close to the Hoth system, the Rebel Alliance was alerted of the empire’s arrival.
- Imperial military forces consistently primarily of mobile walkers such as the AT-AT and the smaller AT-ST and snow trooper infantrymen. General Maximillian Veers commanded the attacking forces of the Galactic Empire.
- The Rebel Alliance unsuccessfully defended Echo Base by using recently dug trenches and laser batteries. Although, successful in evacuating most personnel from Echo Base through the east with their GR-75 transports; the Rebel high command would be scattered and disorganized temporarily.
- Darth Vader led the famous 501st in punching a hole on the eastern face of the mountain containing Echo Base. This became possible when AT-ATs successfully destroyed the power generator to the Rebel hideout. Upon the infiltration of Imperial forces into the base, Princess Leia Organa ordered the full evacuation of Echo Base, saving most personnel inside.
- The Battle of Hoth was a costly military loss for the Rebel Alliance. In the weeks following their defeat, remaining Rebel forces would be scattered throughout the Outer Rim and constantly hunted by Imperial forces. Morale for the cause would also take a hit after the loss. Despite this, the rebellion would continue their persistent fight against the Empire. Turning to guerilla warfare tactics, the Rebel Alliance would endure despite the breakdown of communication and disorganization.
The Battle of Hoth would become a pivotal moment in the Galactic Civil War. Although considered a near catastrophic defeat on a military level; the persistence and will to endure of the Rebel Alliance would allow them to survive and develop greater tactics. Only six months after the Battle of Hoth, the rebellion would go on to successfully destroy the Empire’s Death Star II in the highly successful Battle of Endor.
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