A leader of the Galactic Senate's Loyalist faction, Mon Mothma opposed Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's policies during the final days of the Repulic. Working in secret, she helped found the Rebel Alliance, and served as its civilian leader during the long struggle against the Empire.
Mothma and Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan watched in dismay as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine used the Clone Wars as an excuse to claim more power. Concluding Palpatine had become an enemy of democracy, they formed a secret organization to oppose his rule.
Mothma and Naboo's Senator Padmé Amidala worked together on legislation in the Galactic Senate, sought negotiations with the Separatists, and tried to slow the Republic's headlong rush to war.
The resistance organization founded by Mothma, Bail Organa and like-minded Senators became the Rebel Alliance. Mothma served as its civilian leader, emphasizing that the Alliance's goals were to restore the Republic.
After Palpatine became Emperor, Mothma went into hiding, aware that her outspoken opposition had earned her a death sentence. Imperial agents hunted her, eager to eliminate one of the Rebellion's most visible leaders.
In her role as the Alliance's civilian leader, Mothma worked closely with Rebel military leaders such as the Mon Calamari freedom fighter Admiral Ackbar, commander of the Rebel starfleet.