The shortest recorded war in history took place between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. Known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, it lasted only about 38 to 45 minutes. The conflict began after the death of the Sultan of Zanzibar, and the British opposed the ascension of his successor, Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, who was more resistant to British influence. The British military swiftly destroyed the defending forces, forcing Sultan Khalid to surrender in under an hour. The brevity of this war makes it one of the most unusual and remarkable conflicts in history.
The Impact of the Anglo-Zanzibar War
Despite its quick resolution, the Anglo-Zanzibar War had lasting political effects. The British were able to install a puppet sultan favorable to their interests, ensuring that Zanzibar remained under British control. The war highlighted the power imbalance between colonial empires and smaller kingdoms, where military force could be used to quickly suppress resistance. Though it was over in less than an hour, the war solidified British dominance in the region and marked the beginning of the end for Zanzibar's independence, as it became a British protectorate until 1963. Shutdown123