Wars usually last for months or even years, leaving deep imprints on history and reshaping nations. But what if a war ended before most people even knew it had started? The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is the world’s shortest war in human history, lasting only 38 to 45 minutes. In less than an hour, the British Empire defeated a rebellious sultan, taking full control of Zanzibar and strengthening its rule in East Africa. Even though it was short, this war had important consequences. So, how did an entire conflict begin and end in the time it takes to have a cup of coffee?
Background: Tensions in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s Strategic Importance
Zanzibar, an island off the coast of modern-day Tanzania, was a vital trade center in the 19th century. Known for its spice trade, ivory, and involvement in the East African slave trade, it was ruled by the Sultanate of Zanzibar, which had strong historical ties with Oman.
By 1890, Britain had declared Zanzibar a protectorate, giving it control over the island’s affairs, particularly in suppressing the slave trade. The British influence in Zanzibar meant that any change in leadership was closely monitored and influenced by British authorities.
The Death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini
On August 25, 1896, Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, a pro-British ruler, died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. Almost immediately, his cousin Khalid bin Barghash seized power and declared himself Sultan. The British, favoring a more compliant candidate, Hamoud bin Mohammed, refused to recognize Khalid’s rule.
Tensions escalated when Khalid ignored British warnings and fortified himself inside the Zanzibar Palace with around 2,800 men, including palace guards and armed civilians. The British saw this as an act of defiance and demanded his abdication.
The War: 38 Minutes of Conflict
British Ultimatum
The British issued an ultimatum to Khalid: surrender by 9:00 AM on August 27, 1896, or face military action. Khalid refused, ordering his forces to prepare for a fight. In response, the British gathered a fleet of five warships and positioned 150 marines and sailors at strategic points around the palace.
The Battle Begins
At 9:02 AM, the British opened fire. The warships, including HMS St George, HMS Philomel, and HMS Thrush, bombarded the palace with heavy artillery. Within minutes, the structure was heavily damaged, and fires broke out across the complex.
Despite having a few outdated artillery pieces and riflemen, Zanzibar’s forces were completely overwhelmed. By 9:40 AM, the Sultan’s flag was shot down, signaling the end of the world’s shortest war.
Casualties
The war resulted in lopsided casualties, with Zanzibar suffering around 500 casualties, mostly palace guards and civilians. In contrast, the British sustained only one minor injury, a British sailor.
Aftermath and Consequences
Sultan Khalid’s Escape
As the palace crumbled, Khalid bin Barghash fled to the German consulate, where he was granted asylum. The British, unwilling to spark a diplomatic incident with Germany, could not immediately arrest him. However, he was later captured and exiled to Seychelles.
British Control Strengthens
With Khalid out of power, the British installed Hamoud bin Mohammed as the new Sultan. He ruled under British influence and, at their insistence, formally abolished slavery in Zanzibar in 1897.
Zanzibar’s Path to Independence
Following the world’s shortest war, Zanzibar remained a British protectorate until 1963, when it finally gained independence. The short but impactful war marked the end of any real sovereignty for the Sultanate, solidifying British dominance in the region.
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