This war lasted just 38 minutes — know what happened

Wars can last for years or even centuries, but one conflict was over in less than an hour. The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 lasted just 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history. Despite its brief duration, the conflict was the result of years of growing British influence over Zanzibar and a sudden dispute over the island’s throne. (wikimedia commons)

It Happened in Zanzibar: The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought on August 27, 1896, between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. British influence over the East African island had grown after the 1890 Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty, which gave Britain a sphere of influence over Zanzibar. (wikimedia commons)

A Sultan's Death Triggered the Crisis: In 1896, Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, who had been installed with British backing, died. His cousin, Khalid bin Barghash, then took the throne on August 25 without British approval. British diplomat Basil Cave ordered Khalid to step down, but he refused. (wikimedia commons)

Khalid Prepared to Defend the Palace: Rather than surrender the throne, Khalid gathered around 3,000 soldiers and fortified the palace with the artillery available to him. Britain issued an ultimatum demanding that he leave the palace by 9 a.m. on August 27. When the deadline passed, the conflict began. (wikimedia commons)

The Bombardment Began: Three British warships: HMS Racoon, HMS Thrush and HMS Sparrow opened fire on the palace. The majority of Khalid's artillery was destroyed within just two minutes, leaving his forces heavily outmatched. The British bombardment continued for a total of 38 minutes.

Khalid Escaped During the Attack: As the palace came under bombardment, Khalid escaped and was eventually smuggled into what is now Tanzania. The British reclaimed the palace and installed a new sultan, effectively ending Khalid's attempt to hold onto the throne. (wikimedia commons)

His Story Didn't End There: Khalid remained in East Africa for years after the war. In 1916, British forces captured him, and he was subsequently exiled to Saint Helena. The Anglo-Zanzibar War itself lasted only 38 minutes, but it marked a decisive moment in Britain's control over Zanzibar. (wikimedia commons)