The Union of Earth States was nation founded in 81 BBY by the joining of the states of Earth into a single nation, intended to unite Earth and let states work closer together for mutual advantage. The U.E.S began reasonably well, as the Union Senate actually did its job well enough, though by 21 BBY the Union was failing, increasing numbers of Earthlings were viewing the Union as a shadow of its former self, the Union Senate was becoming increasingly corrupt, and putting high taxes on the states of Earth.