First alluded to in 1977's 'Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope,' the Clone Wars are a conflict between the Galactic Republic, led by the Jedi Knights and their clone army, and the nefarious separatist movement of Chancellor Palpatine (who later becomes the emperor). Not previously seen in any of the saga's six films, the Clone Wars take place between the events of 2002's Episode II and 2005's Episode III.
