The Rebel Alliance, also known simply as the Rebellion, is a fictional organization in the Star Wars franchise. Created by George Lucas, the Alliance is depicted as a stateless coalition of rebel dissidents and defectors who oppose the Galactic Empire and its authoritarian rule. Its stated goal is to restore the previous Galactic Republic, which had been dissolved after its leader Palpatine seized absolute power and declared himself emperor. It is the main protagonistic faction of the original Star Wars trilogy and was inspired by anti-authoritarian and anti-imperialist movements, with Lucas citing the Viet Cong as a direct influence.