Although it only appeared in one Star Wars film, Geonosis is one of the most important planets in the franchise, setting in motion the Clone Wars and the Death Star project. First appeared in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Cloneshome to the insect-like Geonosians, who lived in catacombs beneath the surface and functioned as beehives. Geonosis appeared later in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series and was further developed through books, comics and more.
Viewers who have only seen the films may assume that Geonosis has little relevance to the Star Wars timeline after his live-action appearance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Events and plots centered on Geonosis have had major ramifications for the galaxy and affected countless characters across the world. Star Wars movies and TV shows. Analyzing the history of Geonosis puts several aspects of Star Wars franchise while following the development of conflicts and superweapons.
Geonosis silently produced a droid army while Kamino produced clones
A task perfectly suited for hive-minded Geonosians
Obi-Wan Kenobi was shocked when he discovered a clone army made for the Republic on Kamino, but he was also surprised to see the Geonosians producing a secret army of droids. Thousands of battle droids were ready to go if war broke out, which finally convinced the Republic Senate to grant Chancellor Palpatine emergency powers so he could approve a Grand Army of the Republic. Unknown to the Senate or the Separatist Council, Both sides were pawns in Palpatine and Count Dooku’s plan for the Sith to regain control of the galaxy.
The first battle of the Clone Wars took place on Geonosis
“The Clone Wars have begun.”
The Battle of Geonosis marked the beginning of the Clone Wars, when Mace Windu led a contingent of Jedi to rescue Obi-Wan, Anakin Skywalker, and Padmé Amidala from execution. Despite a valiant fight, the Jedi were dominated by the newly manufactured battle droids until Master Yoda arrived with the clone army and a fleet of Republic ships. The Jedi led the clones in a ground battle while Yoda directed artillery to shoot down Trade Federation ships. Although the Republic was victorious, Dooku escaped, leaving the galaxy in a state of war.
How the Battle of Geonosis Changed the Jedi Order
From guardians of peace to soldiers
The shroud of the dark side fell after the Battle of Geonosis, and many Jedi changed. Most of Mace Windu’s strike force was killed in the Geonosian arena, and despite his rule against detachment, the Jedi Order was devastated by the loss of friends and comrades. The Jedi felt compelled to accept their role as generals in the Grand Army of the Republic.despite Master Windu’s earlier proclamation that they were not soldiers. The escalating conflict would cause several Jedi to fall to the dark side, and even the Jedi Council was blinded by the seemingly endless war.
The Second Battle of Geonosis Explained
The Jedi were sent to destroy another android factory
The Geonosians later managed to retake their world, forcing the Republic to launch a second invasion to destroy a new android factory. While the Jedi were victorious, the second Battle of Geonosis was almost as costly to Republic forces as the firstwith some Jedi seriously injured and others nearly dead. Even after the capture of Geonosian Archduke Poggle the Lesser, a clone trooper infected by a Geonosian brain worm infected his crew with mind-controlling parasites, but this plot was foiled by Jedi Padawans Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano.
Geonosis’ role in the construction of the Death Star
The Geonosians designed the original plans and helped build it
With Poggle the Lesser captured and the Death Star plans in Republic custody thanks to Count Dooku, the Geonosians were recruited to build the massive battle station. Director Orson Krennic oversaw the Death Star design and used Geonosian labor to begin rapid constructionbut Poggle later betrayed him and returned to the Separatists. Even with this setback, the Death Star continued to be built over the next two decades, with remains left in the rings around Geonosis.
The fate of the Geonosians under the Empire
A tragic end for the entire species
With the Death Star completed, the Empire had no further use for the Geonosians and attempted to exterminate the entire species. Some survivors remain deep beneath the planet’s surface, but they would not remain safe for long. Darth Vader finally arrived on Geonosis and tracked down what he believed to be the last queenkilling it and any chance of the species returning. Geonosis suffered greatly for its role in Star Wars history, ironically one of the worlds most affected by the Clone Wars and the Death Star.