Wars throughout history have ranged dramatically in length – from lasting over a century to just a matter of minutes. One of the shortest wars on record lasted just 38 minutes. This remarkably brief conflict was the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896.
The Lead Up to War
In the late 19th century, Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania) was a protectorate of the British Empire. The Sultan of Zanzibar, Hamad bin Thuwaini, died suddenly on August 25, 1896. His nephew, Khalid bin Barghash, seized power in a coup d’etat, despite British preference for a different candidate, Hamud bin Muhammed. The British issued an ultimatum to Khalid to abdicate by 9:00am on August 27th. Khalid refused, and war was declared.
The War
At 9:02am on August 27, 1896, the British ships anchored in Zanzibar harbor began bombarding the Sultan’s palace with artillery shells and machine gun fire. The outgunned Zanzibari forces returned sporadic rifle and musket fire, but they stood little chance against the powerful British cruisers. By 9:40am, the shelling had set the palace on fire and it was clear the war was lost. At 9:40am, the Zanzibari flag at the palace was lowered, marking the end of the battle, and the war.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted a grand total of 38 minutes, making it the shortest war on record.
Casualties and Aftermath
Despite its short duration, the Anglo-Zanzibar War was not bloodless. Estimates of Zanzibari casualties range from 500 to 2,800, while only 1 British sailor was injured. The Zanzibari Sultan Khalid escaped from the palace during the fighting and took refuge at the German consulate before fleeing to German East Africa.
With Khalid gone, the British quickly installed their preferred successor Hamud bin Muhammed as the new Sultan. The British also imposed a protectorate over Zanzibar, which remained in effect until the country gained independence in 1963 as a constitutional monarchy and member of the British Commonwealth.
What Led to Such a Short War?
There are several reasons why the Anglo-Zanzibar War was so brief:
- Overwhelming British firepower – The British warships massed in the harbor greatly outgunned the Zanzibari defenses.
- Limited objectives – The British had no desire to conquer or occupy Zanzibar, only to overthrow the defiant Sultan.
- Element of surprise – The ultimatum expired at 9am, giving Khalid little time to prepare.
- Weak defenses – Zanzibar’s fortifications and artillery were old and decrepit.
In essence, the one-sided naval bombardment rapidly accomplished Britain’s limited objectives. With Khalid fleeing the palace by 9:40am, British commanders saw little need to prolong the battle further.
Other Notable Short Wars
While 38 minutes long, the Anglo-Zanzibar War was not the only remarkably brief conflict in history:
- 6 Day War – Fought between Israel and Arab neighbors in 1967, lasting just 6 days.
- Indo-Pakistani War – Lasting 13 days in 1999 between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan.
- Spanish-American War – 3 months and 22 days from declaration to armistice in 1898.
- Football War – Border conflict between El Salvador and Honduras lasting only 4 days in 1969.
However, none can top the sheer brevity of the 38 minute Anglo-Zanzibar War.
Conclusion
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 stands out as the shortest war in recorded history. Lasting only 38 minutes, it demonstrated the overwhelming firepower advantage held by industrialized naval powers like Britain over smaller countries. While brief, it marked a pivotal moment in Zanzibar’s history, ending its status as an independent sultanate and ushering in an era of British colonial rule. So while it barely registers as a footnote in broader world history, for Zanzibar the 38 minute war marked a major turning point in the country’s development. Despite its brevity, the impact of this brief conflict lasted for decades to come.