Why Darth Vader Believed Destroying Alderaan was a Mistake - Star Wars Explained

Even Palpatine was shocked and a bit conflicted about the planet's destruction and that's saying something

The destruction of Alderaan was definitely the “Are we the bad guys?” moment for a lot of Imperials.

You know you are messed up when even Vader thinks you’re insane .

Tarkin was an odd man. Brutal, efficient, and utterly lacking in any ability to think long term. The destruction of Alderaan was probably the single biggest strategic blunder of the empire’s existence as it not only lead deprived the Empire of a valuable planet, it lead to an explosion of support for the Rebellion and mass Imperial defections

Darth Vader was actually right about destroying Alderaan being a mistake. The biggest mistake that costed the Empire its own demise, as many countless planets and systems turned on the Empire and joined the rebellion afterwards.

Even as a Jedi anakin was surprisingly a good military general. As a sith lord he was a monster but in terms of military actions he surprisingly fair to people that had some sense. I am sure that Vader was thinking if we destroy the planet it would give us more control in terms of fear but it would cause more to rebel since the empire can just destroy a planet at will

It ultimately became a perfect storm of circumstances. Remember that just recently Palpatine finally dissolved the Imperial Senate, thus eliminating bureaucratic control over much of the systems. It was the final step towards turning the Empire into a full military dictatorship, with moffs in firect control over systems with their fleets The Death Star was to be the core of that "Tarkin Doctrine". Then the Empire destroys a core world of the old Rebublic, and a loyal one to boot - Bail and Lea aside, Alderaan was never in open rebellion against the Empire. Thus, Tarkin presented the galaxy with an intresting choice - rebel against the Empire and die, or remain loyal and...die. And then the rebels destroyed the Death Star...

When a sith lord thinks your totally insane. You are at a whole new level of craziness.

Tarkin was drunk on power in this moment. Vader could see that, and while respecting its darkside alignment he also had the appropriate amount of caution. After all, he knows what it means to lose oneself to the pride before the fall.

I like the idea that the career Imperials were less rational than the Sith.

Alderaan's destruction was the Empire's greatest mistake one that took even Sidious by surprise as while he had given Tarkin the authority to destroy a planet he didn't expect it to be Alderaan one of the most peaceful, beautiful and influential worlds in the galaxy. It's loss sent a wave of shock, grief and then rage against the Empire for this horrific crime from the core worlds - who suddenly realised that there wealth and political power didn't shield them from the madness of the Empire as it always had before - to the outer rim. When the battlestation was subsequently destroyed by the Rebel Alliance it ultimately sealed the Empire's downfall.

Had Tarkin survived thedestruction of the Death Star, it would have been in his interests to commit suicide before falling into the hands of the Emperor. In the novel Dark Saber, it is revealed what the Empetor did to the Chief Engineer and designer of the Death Star...he tourtured him to death, then used the force to put his life force into a clone body, and do it over and over again, while allowing the engineer to remember each horrific and painful death.

Vader knew exactly what destruction of Alderaan meant. He knew how strong Rebellion would become. And he was right. Palpatine knew it too. He was upset and angry. He saw what could happen. Vader's view was very pragmatic and intelligent. Tarkin was completely disrespectful towards Vader. He grew too ambitious and careless. Vader was right in a way,Tarkin was a lunatic. May the Force be with you too😊

You know it’s in the red when even Vader was like “this dude has lost his mind..”. But this is also the issue in Vader’s position. He had no rank in the empire he was kinda just a right hand man but those with high rank had say so that’s why it was easy for Tarkin to talk stupid to Vader

4:20 Only 1 common man has Vader said is his equal... Boba Fett. Because Fett was as skilled in combat as Vader, had honor, was as ruthless as Vader, but also understand that he couldn't fight Vader directly, but didn’t fear him. It was a mutual respect. Tarkin was just a glorified accountant

It's easy to forget how intelligent and forward planning Vader was despite his day to day suffering He and Admiral Thrawn already viewed the Death Star as counterproductive to the empires integrity.

I imagine after being redeemed, Anakin's view Alderaan's destruction probably changed to being disgusted with Tarkin's actions and probably felt guilty for what he as Vader and the Empire put Leia through!

Honestly, blowing up Alderaan was like Tarkin shooting the Empire in the foot. Along with turning Imperials who were from Alderaan against the Empire but turning most of the systems against the Empire that were (probably) close to the core worlds. Had Tarkin blown up another planet that wasn't loyal to the Empire then things might have been different; granted, blowing up a planet is evil that cannot really be fathomed but at the very least there might have been less push back to worlds that were still loyal to, or would have remained loyal to, the Empire

“Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.” — Darth Vader

Emperor Palpatine: Ah Governor Tarkin. I expected you use the Death Star to intimidate anyone who against our Imperial rule. Tarkin: Yes I did, my lord. I did use this and destroy the planet. Emperor Palpatine: Good. What's the name the planet you destroyed? Tarkin: Alderaan, my lord. I did this in front of the prisoner, Princess Leia Organa. Emperor Palpatine: YOU DID WHAT?!