I always wondered, if it took so long to build the first Death Star and cost so much money, how did the Empire build a BIGGER, and more POWERFUL Death Star in only 3 years? How did they get the funds and materials? Here are my theories.

1) Since the Empire already had the blue prints and knowledge of how the technology worked so it wouldn't take as long to build the Death Star. Now for the money. I think the Emperor hyped up the destruction of the first Death Star and used the defeat to tighten security and heighten taxes.

2) The Emperor seized "traitorous" worlds and taxed them heavily for their "betrayal" and allegiance to the Rebels.

3) The Emperor manipulated his allies by saying that their money and support would secure their safety.

4) Accuse anyone who didn't contribute money for construction of being a traitor. And threaten to kill them or heir family

5) Tell the regional Moffs to collect heavier taxes, seize companies and give the Empire as much money as possible in order to build the Death Star II

These are some of my theories. Let me know what you think or if you have any ideas of your own.