Shortest War in History: The War That Lasted Only 38 Minutes — And Still Changed History

Anglo-Zanzibar War: The Shortest War in History (Image Credit: britannica.com)

When you think of wars, what comes to mind? Months of fighting, endless battles, generals pacing nervously in war rooms. Well, history also has a war that barely lasted long enough to sip your morning tea. Meet the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 — officially the shortest war ever recorded, clocking in at just 38 minutes.

It all began on August 25, 1896, when Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini of Zanzibar (a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa) died unexpectedly. His cousin, Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, took over the throne — but the British, who were the real power behind the scenes, had not approved this succession.

The British gave Khalid an ultimatum: step down peacefully or face the consequences. But Khalid refused. He barricaded himself inside the palace with roughly 3,000 loyal supporters. The stage was set for a war, and boy, it was going to be quick.

On August 27, 1896, at 9:00 am, the British ships in Zanzibar’s harbor began their bombardment. Cannons roared. Walls crumbled. For Khalid’s defenders, it must have felt like the sky itself was falling.

By 9:38 am, it was over. The palace was in ruins, more than 500 defenders were killed or wounded, and Sultan Khalid had fled into exile. Just like that — in less than the length of a football match, power had changed hands.

Now, you might be wondering: can a 38-minute war really make a difference? Absolutely. The British tightened their control over Zanzibar, showcasing the enormous gap between European military technology and local armies of the time. It was also a stark reminder of how quickly history can turn on its head.

Today, the Anglo-Zanzibar War is mostly remembered for its absurd brevity. But beyond the trivia, it’s a story that shows power, technology, and politics colliding in a way you would not expect — in under an hour.

So, next time someone tells you wars take years, just smile and remember: sometimes, 38 minutes is all it takes to rewrite history.

FAQs: Anglo-Zanzibar War

1. How long did the Anglo-Zanzibar War last?

The war lasted approximately 38 minutes, making it the shortest recorded war in history. It began at 9:00 a.m. on August 27, 1896, and ended before most people even realized it had started.

2. Why did the Anglo-Zanzibar war happen?

The conflict started after Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died and his cousin Sultan Khalid bin Barghash seized the throne without British approval. The British, who had political control over Zanzibar, demanded he step down. When he refused, the war broke out.

3. How many people were killed or injured in the Anglo-Zanzibar war?

About 500 of Khalid’s defenders were killed or wounded during the bombardment. British casualties were minimal, thanks to their advanced naval artillery.

4. What was the outcome of the Anglo-Zanzibar war?

The war ended with British victory. Sultan Khalid fled into exile, and the British solidified their control over Zanzibar, demonstrating their dominance in East Africa.

5. Why is the Anglo-Zanzibar War historically significant?

Despite its short duration, the war is important because it showcased the technological gap between European powers and local armies, influenced the political landscape of East Africa, and remains a remarkable example of how quickly history can change.