The Shortest War In History Lasted 38 Minutes

On August 27, 1896, the British Empire engaged in what would become the shortest war ever documented. The conflict arose following the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini. Prince Khalid bin Barghash immediately seized the palace and declared himself sultan, bypassing the British-preferred successor. The British had established a protectorate over Zanzibar that required their approval for any new sultan. When Khalid refused to step down by the 9 am ultimatum, British warships in the harbor opened fire on the palace. The bombardment began at 9:02 am and by 9:40 am it was over. The wooden palace caught fire and collapsed with 3,000 defenders inside. Khalid fled just two minutes after the bombardment began, seeking refuge at the German consulate. Around 500 Zanzibari soldiers were killed or wounded, while only one British sailor was injured. The entire conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes depending on when one marks the official start and end.