The assassination attempts on Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones were orchestrated by the Separatist movement, specifically, Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation, with the physical acts carried out by a series of bounty hunters. This attempted assassination served as a critical catalyst, pushing the Galactic Republic closer to war and revealing the larger machinations of Darth Sidious.
The Direct Perpetrators: Zam Wesell and Jango Fett
The most visible figures involved in the attempts on Padmé’s life were Zam Wesell, a Clawdite shapeshifter bounty hunter, and Jango Fett, arguably the most skilled bounty hunter in the galaxy. Wesell, contracted by Fett, was responsible for the initial assassination attempt using explosive devices planted on Padmé’s ship upon its arrival on Coruscant. Failing that, she deployed Kouhuns, centipede-like creatures with deadly venom, in a second, more direct attack within Padmé’s apartment.
Jango Fett’s role, while less directly involved in the physical attacks, was paramount. He provided Wesell with the necessary resources, including the Kouhuns and potentially the explosives, and ultimately eliminated Wesell herself after she was captured and started to reveal information. Fett’s involvement clearly points to a larger conspiracy at play.
The Puppet Master: Nute Gunray and the Separatists
While Wesell and Fett were the tools, Nute Gunray, the Neimoidian Viceroy of the Trade Federation, was the instigator. He harbored a deep-seated hatred for Padmé due to her role in thwarting the Trade Federation’s invasion of Naboo in Episode I. He saw her continued presence in the Senate as a threat to the Separatist cause and sought to eliminate her.
Gunray acted as a proxy for the larger Separatist movement, spearheaded by Count Dooku, a former Jedi Master who had secretly become Darth Tyranus, Darth Sidious’s apprentice. While Dooku didn’t directly order the assassination, he benefited from it immensely. The chaos and instability caused by Padmé’s potential death would further fracture the Republic and bolster the Separatist cause.
The Grand Strategist: Darth Sidious and the Clone Wars
Ultimately, the entire plot was a carefully calculated move orchestrated by Darth Sidious (Senator Palpatine), who was manipulating events from behind the scenes to plunge the galaxy into war. He understood that Padmé’s death would be a significant blow to the Republic and would further fuel the Separatist movement, pushing the two sides closer to conflict.
The assassination attempts, therefore, were not merely the actions of disgruntled individuals; they were integral to Sidious’s long-term plan to seize control of the galaxy. The subsequent Clone Wars, triggered by the very tensions these events exacerbated, allowed him to consolidate power and transform the Republic into the Galactic Empire.
FAQs: Unraveling the Attack of the Clones Conspiracy
H3 Why was Padmé targeted for assassination?
Padmé’s outspoken opposition to the Military Creation Act, which would have authorized the formation of a Grand Army of the Republic, made her a significant obstacle to the Separatists’ goals. Her death would have weakened the pro-peace faction within the Senate and paved the way for the creation of the clone army, ultimately serving Darth Sidious’s grand plan.
H3 Did Padmé know who was behind the assassination attempts?
Initially, Padmé and Anakin Skywalker had no concrete evidence pointing to Nute Gunray or the Separatists. However, Anakin’s investigation of Zam Wesell and her connection to Jango Fett gradually revealed a larger conspiracy. The confrontation on Geonosis provided undeniable proof of the Separatists’ involvement.
H3 What role did the Jedi play in protecting Padmé?
The Jedi Council assigned Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to protect Padmé after the initial assassination attempt. Obi-Wan’s investigation led him to Kamino and the discovery of the clone army, while Anakin provided personal security for Padmé, ultimately leading to a romantic relationship.
H3 Why didn’t the Jedi immediately suspect the Separatists?
The Jedi were aware of the growing Separatist movement, but they lacked concrete evidence linking them directly to the assassination attempts. Furthermore, the political climate in the Republic was rife with intrigue and suspicion, making it difficult to pinpoint the true culprits. Darth Sidious’s manipulation further clouded their judgment.
H3 How did Jango Fett get involved in the assassination plot?
Jango Fett was likely contracted by Count Dooku, acting on behalf of Nute Gunray, to eliminate Padmé. Fett’s reputation and skill made him the ideal choice for such a high-profile assignment. Dooku’s connection to the Kaminoans also facilitated the creation of the clone army, further solidifying his control over events.
H3 What happened to Zam Wesell after the failed assassination attempts?
After failing to kill Padmé, Zam Wesell was apprehended by Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. During interrogation, she was fatally poisoned by Jango Fett using a Kamino saberdart, preventing her from revealing further details about the conspiracy.
H3 Did Palpatine (Darth Sidious) want Padmé dead?
While Palpatine didn’t explicitly order Padmé’s death, he certainly benefited from it. Her death would have destabilized the Republic and pushed it closer to war, which was precisely his objective. He allowed the assassination attempts to proceed, knowing they would serve his ultimate plan.
H3 Was there any way Padmé could have avoided being targeted?
Given the political climate and Padmé’s outspoken stance against the Military Creation Act, it’s unlikely she could have completely avoided being targeted. However, perhaps a more cautious approach to her public appearances and greater reliance on intelligence gathering might have mitigated the risk.
H3 How did the assassination attempts influence Anakin Skywalker?
The assassination attempts on Padmé significantly impacted Anakin Skywalker. His assignment to protect her fostered a deep connection, eventually leading to their forbidden love. The fear of losing her also contributed to his vulnerability to Palpatine’s manipulations and his ultimate fall to the dark side.
H3 What was the significance of the Kouhuns used in the assassination attempt?
The use of Kouhuns highlighted the lengths to which the assassins were willing to go and the exotic methods they employed. These creatures were not readily available, suggesting a level of resources and connections that pointed to a powerful patron.
H3 Did anyone else know about the plot to kill Padmé?
Besides the direct participants like Nute Gunray, Jango Fett, Zam Wesell, and Count Dooku, it’s likely that other members of the Separatist Council were aware of the plot, at least in broad strokes. The secrecy surrounding the plan suggests a need to limit the number of people involved to minimize the risk of exposure.
H3 What were the long-term consequences of the assassination attempts on Padmé?
The assassination attempts on Padmé served as a crucial catalyst for the Clone Wars. They fueled the Republic’s anxieties, strengthened the pro-war faction, and ultimately led to the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic. This, in turn, played directly into Darth Sidious’s hands, allowing him to orchestrate the downfall of the Republic and establish the Galactic Empire. The assassination attempts, therefore, represent a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, setting in motion a chain of events that would reshape the galaxy forever.