August 27, 1896: A 38-Minute War

 

 

August 27, 1896: A 38-Minute War

In the annals of military history, there have been many conflicts that have lasted for years, even decades. But have you ever heard of a war that lasted only 38 minutes? Yes, you read that right! The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, holds the record for the shortest war in history.

The Background

The war was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar. Khalid bin Barghash, the cousin of the deceased Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, took over the throne without British approval. The British demanded that Khalid step down and let them choose a new sultan, but Khalid refused to back down.

The War

On August 27, 1896, the British launched a surprise attack on Zanzibar. The British warships opened fire on the palace, destroying the Zanzibari artillery. The Zanzibarian navy was quickly defeated, and the sultan escaped the palace. The fighting lasted only 38 minutes, after which the British installed a new sultan, Hamud, who ruled Zanzibar for six years.

The Aftermath

The war was a decisive British victory, with only one British soldier wounded and an estimated 500 Zanzibari soldiers killed. Khalid bin Barghash escaped to the German consulate and was later exiled to East Africa.

Conclusion

The Anglo-Zanzibar War may have been the shortest war in history, but it had significant consequences for Zanzibar and the region. It marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Zanzibar, which lasted until 1963. Today, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, but the legacy of the Anglo-Zanzibar War remains an important part of its history.