The Shortest War in History Lasted Just 38 Minutes !!!
In 1896, a war broke out between the British Empire and the East African Sultanate of Zanzibar — and it ended incredibly fast. This conflict, known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, lasted only 38 minutes, making it the shortest war ever recorded in history.
The war began after the Sultan of Zanzibar died and a successor took power without British approval. The British issued an ultimatum demanding the new Sultan step down. When the deadline passed,
British warships bombarded the Sultan’s palace.
Within less than an hour, the Sultan’s forces surrendered. The British quickly installed a new Sultan who was favorable to their interests. Despite the brief duration, the war resulted in casualties and marked a clear example of the power imbalance during the colonial era.
This astonishingly short conflict is a reminder that sometimes wars can be decided not by length or scale but by overwhelming force and strategic advantage.
FactSpire Thought
History can surprise us with moments so brief yet so impactful — proving that sometimes, seconds can change the course of nations.
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