Zanzibar and British Empire engage in 38-minute war

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, recognized as the shortest armed conflict in history, lasted only 38 minutes on August 25, 1896. The conflict arose following the death of a pro-British sultan, after which his nephew, Khalid bin Barghash, seized power in a coup. The British Empire rejected his leadership and issued an ultimatum demanding he vacate the palace and surrender authority to a preferred candidate.

Upon the expiration of the ultimatum, British warships stationed in the harbor opened fire. The bombardment quickly destroyed much of the sultan's palace and sank his yacht. Khalid bin Barghash fled to the German consulate for asylum and was eventually captured, later spending his remaining years in Mombasa until his death in 1927.

The conflict resulted in approximately 500 Zanzibari casualties, while the British side reported only a few minor injuries. Following the surrender, the British installed a compliant sultan, solidifying their control over the region. Zanzibar later joined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the modern nation of Tanzania.