 In the commentary track for the film's DVD release, Lucas said that the ceremony for the Emperor's arrival was inspired by May Day military parades in the Soviet Union.Lucas has also indicated that the Galactic Empire's struggle against a smaller guerilla force was inspired by America's involvement in the Vietnam War and his surprise at how few people spoke up against the war.Palpatine's rise to power, and transforming a democracy into a dictatorship has been related to those of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Adolf Hitler.