The Shortest War Ever Recorded In History
What is a war? War is defined as an active conflict that has claimed more than 1,000 lives. Has the world ever been at peace? How many people have died in war?
Anglo-Zanzibar War
The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a military conflict fought between Great Britain and the Zanzibar Sultanate on 27 August 1896. The conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history.
The story begins with the signing of the Heligoland-Zanzibar Agreement between the British and Germany in 1890. This agreement has effectively created a space of influence between the imperialist powers in East Africa; Zanzibar was handed over to British influence, while Germany was given control of Tanzanian land.
With this newly established influence, the British declared Zanzibar under the auspices of the British Empire and immediately acted by appointing their own ‘puppet’ Sultan to guard the territory. Hamad bin Thuwaini, who had been a British supporter in the area, was enthroned in 1893. Hamad ruled this British protectorate sultanate in peace and security for more than 3 years until on 25 August 1896, he died suddenly in his palace. Although it is never known what the real and true cause of the cause of his death is, it is believed that his own cousin Khalid bin Barghash had poisoned him. This is increasingly credible coupled with the fact that a few hours after Hamad’s death, Khalid moved to the palace and took over the throne of the Sultan, all without any discussion and consent from the British.
With this newly established influence, the British declared Zanzibar under the auspices of the British Empire and immediately acted by appointing their own ‘puppet’ Sultan to guard the territory. Hamad bin Thuwaini, who had been a British supporter in the area, was enthroned in 1893. Hamad ruled this British protectorate sultanate in peace and security for more than 3 years until on 25 August 1896, he died suddenly in his palace. Although it is never known what the real and true…
