How Short was History’s Shortest War?
The shortest war in history is a topic of fascination for many historians and war enthusiasts. The answer is not straightforward, as there have been several wars throughout history that have lasted mere minutes or hours. In this article, we will explore the shortest war in history, its causes, and its outcome.
What is the Shortest War in History?
The shortest war in history is widely considered to be the Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. Zanzibar was a small archipelago located off the coast of present-day Tanzania. The war lasted only 38 minutes.
Causes of the War
The war was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar. The pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini had just died, and the pro-German Sultan Khalid bin Bargash seized power. The British were worried about German influence in the region and wanted to ensure that a pro-British candidate was installed as the new ruler.
The War
The British launched a naval attack on Zanzibar at 9:02 AM on August 27, 1896. The Zanzibari forces were ill-prepared and quickly retreated. The British warships, led by HMS Philomel, bombarded the city for 12 minutes before Zanzibar’s main palace was set ablaze. The Zanzibari forces surrendered at 9:40 AM, and the war was over.
Outcome of the War
The war was a decisive victory for the British. The pro-British candidate, Hamud bin Thuwaini, was installed as the new ruler of Zanzibar. The British also occupied the city and imposed a treaty that made Zanzibar a British protectorate. The war marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Zanzibar, which lasted until 1963.
Comparison to Other Short Wars
While the Anglo-Zanzibar War is widely recognized as the shortest war in history, there have been other brief conflicts throughout history. Some notable examples include:
- The Danish-Prussian War: This war lasted only 14 hours in 1864. It was sparked by a dispute over the Duchy of Schleswig.
- The War of the Oaken Bucket: This war between France and the Duchy of Burgundy lasted only 24 hours in 1325. It was sparked by a dispute over a stolen bucket.
- The Gulf War: This war lasted only 100 hours in 1990. It was sparked by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
Table: Brief Summary of the Shortest Wars
| War | Duration | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Anglo-Zanzibar War | 38 minutes | Dispute over the ruler of Zanzibar |
| Danish-Prussian War | 14 hours | Dispute over the Duchy of Schleswig |
| War of the Oaken Bucket | 24 hours | Dispute over a stolen bucket |
| Gulf War | 100 hours | Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait |
Conclusion
The Anglo-Zanzibar War is widely recognized as the shortest war in history, lasting only 38 minutes. The war was sparked by a dispute over the ruler of Zanzibar and marked the beginning of British colonial rule in the region. While there have been other brief conflicts throughout history, the Anglo-Zanzibar War remains the shortest war on record.
Additional Interesting Facts
- The war was so short that Zanzibar did not have time to formally declare war on the UK.
- The British government did not even issue a formal announcement about the war until after it was over.
- The war marked the beginning of a period of British colonial rule in Zanzibar that lasted until 1963.
In conclusion, the Anglo-Zanzibar War is a fascinating example of the complexities of international relations and the power of colonialism. The war’s brevity and suddenness make it a unique and intriguing episode in the history of conflict.
