But the "evil sith Lord" (aside from his personal wants and desire for power) saw that the democractic republic wasn't working. (Ep 1)
The Republic senate was mired in beaucracy that was frozen in inaction. Trade disputes / embargoes were obviously rampant and the Jedi, once the maintainer of order and peace in the Galaxy were no longer able to maintain law and order (Ep 1).
The Empire was ruled by the power of one man but through Regional Governors (Ep 4) who each in turn ruled each of their system but had to answer ultimately to the Emperor.
To keep order, a universal symbol of power and security (like the police is a symbol of power) was constructed - the Death Star. (Ep 4)
The Empire brought about trade and prosperity - (Ep 5 / Ep 4) and while they tried to wipe out the slave trade, it was still being practiced but clearly those instances were few and far in-between (Ep 4 / Ep 6).
So except for the rebels and the unhappy factions (and there will always be unhappy factions) the new Empire was actually flourishing and people were actually prospering.
From that point of view, is the Empire truly evil?
