It is still a period of civil  unrest in the galaxy!   Although  the Rebel Alliance had been successful at the Battle of Endor, and the forces of the Empire had suffered an extreme loss, the Emperor has mysteriously  survived  the destruction of the second Death Star. 

The mighty Imperial war machine is still the recognized authority  and still holds the galaxy in a stranglehold.  Luke Skywalker has brought back the order of the Jedi, but with Palpatine's survival came a resurgence of the Sith!

The Rebellion has gained in strength and support.  They now content themselves with  the knowledge that  they have  the ability  to continue the  fight against the nearly infinite Imperial forces....