No, he didn't. Palpatine was....one of a kind and I have no doubt he was a powerful Sith Lord but he had his limits. And like everyone, he made mistakes along the way.

[A small smile appeared on Hux's lips at Anakin's last question. There was nothing warm about it.]

I personally destroyed the last attempt at establishing a new Republic. Trust me, it's gone.

[And it had been a wonderful moment.]