The shortest war ever recorded lasted only 38 minutes. This war, known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, happened in 1896 between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The conflict was sparked by a disagreement over who would become the Sultan of Zanzibar. The British supported a candidate who was not favored by the ruling Sultan, leading to tensions and ultimately to the outbreak of war.
When the British gave an ultimatum to the Sultan of Zanzibar, demanding that he step down, the Sultan refused. In response, British warships positioned themselves near Zanzibar and quickly launched an attack on the Sultan’s palace. The British forces had advanced weaponry that quickly overwhelmed the Sultan’s defenses, resulting in a rapid and decisive victory for the British in less than an hour.
The main reason this war was so short was because of the vast difference in military power between the two sides. The British had superior weapons and a stronger navy, which allowed them to swiftly defeat the Sultan’s forces. The Anglo-Zanzibar War is remembered for its brevity and the overwhelming strength of the British military during the conflict.
After the war, the British installed a new Sultan who was more aligned with their interests, solidifying their influence over Zanzibar. This short but impactful conflict highlighted the unequal power dynamics between colonial powers like Britain and smaller nations like Zanzibar. The Anglo-Zanzibar War serves as a historical example of how quickly and decisively stronger nations could assert their authority over weaker states during the age of imperialism.
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