Confederacy of Independent Systems

The Confederacy of Independent Systems, also known as the CIS, more commonly known as the Separatist Alliance or simply the Separatists, were a faction of wealthy and disgruntled systems and organizations that became disenchanted by the Republic. These systems gathered together and became an influential political force and officially split from the Republic in 22 BBY but were demolished three years later. The CIS's movement sparked the Clone Wars.

History
The CIS officially came into existence on Geonosis as an alliance between the Techno Union, Trade Federation, Retail Clan, InterGalactic Banking Clan, Corporate Alliance and the Commerce Guild. The leaders of these individual factions selected former Jedi master Dooku as their head of state. Dooku using political and financial connections given to him due to his noble heritage with guidance from his Sith master formed a massive droid  army and mobilized it into a force to destroy the Republic. With the assistance of covert agents like Sev'rance Tann who had annihilated the criminal organizations that could stand in the Separatists' way the droid army was able to claim several victories early in the war. The Jedi council and the Republic Senate prioritized the galaxy's defense and struck back winning the support of several neutral groups like the Toydarians and the Hutts. As the war progressed many crucial battles took place on Geonosis, Hypori, Felucia, planets across the outer rim and even the Republic capitol Coruscant as the two sides traded blows.