The Anglo-Zanzibar War is considered the shortest war in history; This happened on August 27, 1896. Interestingly, the clash started around 9:00 am and ended by 9:45 am. While the Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for more than four years—and tensions in the Middle East remain in place through October 7, 2023—the Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought 130 years ago, ended in just 45 minutes.
War between the Sultanate of Zanzibar and British forces
According to a report published in *Britannica*, this war was fought between Great Britain and the Zanzibar Sultanate. In fact, this conflict had its roots in a dispute over succession. After the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, Sultan Khalid bin Barghash seized power without the approval of British officials. He declared himself ruler of Zanzibar—a move that did not sit well with the British.
Ultimatum: give up power
Subsequently, British forces issued an ultimatum to Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, demanding that he abandon his post by 9:00 am. When the Sultan refused, British warships stationed in the harbor began shelling at 9:02 am. This fight was completely one-sided. About 500 men were killed or wounded in Zanzibar, while British forces suffered only one casualty—a sailor who was wounded.
The palace and the royal boat were destroyed in a 40–45 minute battle.
During this conflict, British forces destroyed the palace of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash as well as his only royal yacht, HHS *Glasgow*. By 9:40 a.m.—or as early as 9:45 according to some records—the Sultan’s flag was brought down, and the battle ended. In other words, the war that started at 9:00 in the morning ended just 45 minutes later.
