The shortest war in recorded history is the Anglo-Zanzibar War, which lasted between 38 and 45 minutes on August 27, 1896. This brief conflict took place between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar after the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini. The British, who had interests in maintaining control over Zanzibar, opposed the succession of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, leading to the declaration of war. Despite Zanzibar’s resistance, the British military swiftly defeated the Sultan's forces, leading to a change in leadership within less than an hour.
The Impact of the Anglo-Zanzibar War
The war had little long-term impact, but it marked a turning point in the history of colonial power in East Africa. The British were able to install a puppet sultan favorable to their interests, furthering their control over the island. Despite its brevity, the conflict highlights the imbalance of military power between colonial empires and local rulers during the late 19th century, a time when imperialism was at its peak. The Anglo-Zanzibar War remains an interesting historical event due to its incredibly short duration and the unusual nature of the conflict. Shutdown123