The 38-Minute Anglo-Zanzibar War

Britain and Zanzibar fought the shortest war in recorded history and it was over before most

people finish their morning commute. Just 38 minutes. On August 27th 1896, the Sultan of Zanzibar

died and his nephew seized power without British approval. Britain wasn't having it.

They issued an ultimatum: step down by 9 AM or face the consequences. The new Sultan refused. At exactly 9:02

AM, British warships opened fire on the royal palace. Zanzibar had one

yacht and a few wooden boats. Britain had five warships and marines ready to land.

The palace was shredded, the yacht sank in minutes, and by 9:40 AM it was completely over.

Around 500 Zanzibaris were casualties while Britain had one injured sailor. The Sultan fled