Did you know that the shortest war in history lasted only 38-45 minutes?

 

The shortest war in history lasted only 38-45 minutes and was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896:

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a military conflict fought between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate on 27 August 1896. The conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history.

The immediate cause of the war was the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini on 25 August 1896 and the subsequent succession of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash. The British authorities preferred Hamoud bin Mohammed, who was more favourable to British interests, as sultan.

Khalid bin Barghash refused to step down, and the British issued an ultimatum demanding that he do so. When he refused, the British fleet opened fire on his palace. The bombardment lasted for just over 38 minutes, during which time the Zanzibari forces were completely overwhelmed. Khalid bin Barghash fled the palace and surrendered, and the war was over.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a remarkable event for its brevity. It is often cited as an example of the overwhelming power of modern weaponry, and it is a reminder of the destructive potential of war.

Here are some additional facts about the Anglo-Zanzibar War:

• The British fleet consisted of five ships, including the HMS St. George, which was the most powerful warship in the world at the time.
• The Zanzibari forces were armed with a few cannons and some muskets, but they were no match for the British fleet.
• The war resulted in the deaths of over 500 Zanzibari defenders, while only one British marine was injured.
• The war ended with the installation of Hamoud bin Mohammed as sultan, and Zanzibar remained a British protectorate until 1963.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War is a fascinating and unique event in history. It is a reminder of the destructive potential of war, but it is also a testament to the power of modern weaponry.