The shortest war in history, famously known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, occurred on August 27, 1896, and lasted an astonishingly brief 38 minutes. The conflict arose due to a succession dispute in Zanzibar following the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini. The British favored Sultan Khalid bin Barghash as the successor, but he was seen as a threat to British interests in the region.

Tensions escalated quickly when Khalid bin Barghash refused to step down from the palace and declare himself the new Sultan. In response, the British issued an ultimatum demanding his immediate surrender. When this ultimatum expired without compliance, British warships stationed in the harbor opened fire on the Sultan’s palace and other targets.

The bombardment was swift and devastating, overwhelming Zanzibar’s defenses and forcing Khalid bin Barghash to flee into exile within minutes. The conflict officially ended after 38 minutes, marking one of the shortest recorded wars in history.

The outcome solidified British control over Zanzibar, which became a protectorate and later part of the British Empire’s East African territories. The brevity of the war has since made it a curiosity in military history, highlighting the overwhelming naval power of the British Empire during the late 19th century and the swift resolution of colonial disputes through military force.