The shortest war in world history was the Anglo-Zanzibar War, which lasted for approximately 38 to 45 minutes on August 27, 1896.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War: A Blink-and-You-Miss-It Conflict
This remarkable conflict, often cited as the shortest in recorded history, took place between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate. Its brevity was a stark contrast to many wars that can drag on for extended periods, showcasing a rapid and decisive confrontation driven by geopolitical tensions of the late 19th century.
Key Details of the Conflict
The war was triggered by the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini and the subsequent ascension of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, who was not favored by the British. The United Kingdom, aiming to maintain its influence in the region, issued an ultimatum to Khalid, demanding his abdication.
- Date: August 27, 1896
- Combatants:
- United Kingdom (Royal Navy)
- Zanzibar Sultanate (Palace Guard, armed civilians)
- Location: Zanzibar City, Zanzibar Protectorate (modern-day Tanzania)
- Duration: Approximately 38 to 45 minutes
- Casus Belli: Disputed succession to the Sultanate of Zanzibar, violating an Anglo-Zanzibar treaty.
The Rapid Conclusion
When Sultan Khalid refused to step down, the British Royal Navy initiated a naval bombardment of the Sultan's palace and other strategic points. The overwhelming firepower of the British warships quickly subdued the Sultanate's forces, which consisted mainly of the palace guard and armed civilians with limited artillery.
The Sultan's yacht, the Glasgow, was sunk, and the palace was set ablaze. Faced with insurmountable odds and heavy casualties, Sultan Khalid fled to the German consulate, effectively ending the conflict. The British swiftly installed a new, compliant sultan, Hamud bin Mohammed, establishing a firm pro-British government.
For more details on this unique historical event, you can explore resources like Wikipedia's entry on the Anglo-Zanzibar War.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conflict Name | Anglo-Zanzibar War |
| Date | August 27, 1896 |
| Duration | 38–45 minutes (approx.) |
| Belligerents | United Kingdom vs. Zanzibar Sultanate |
| Location | Zanzibar City |
| Outcome | Decisive British victory, Khalid's abdication |
| Significance | Shortest war in recorded history |
