How long did the anglo zanzibar war last?

The Anglo-Zanzibar War: A Brief but Fierce Conflict

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a military conflict fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. The war lasted for a mere 38 minutes, making it one of the shortest wars in recorded history. In this article, we will delve into the events that led to the war and explore the significance of this brief but intense conflict.

Background to the War

Zanzibar, an archipelago located off the coast of present-day Tanzania, was a semi-autonomous state under the rule of the British Empire. The island was a major hub for the slave trade, and the British were keen to put an end to this inhumane practice. In 1896, the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died, and the British were concerned about the succession of a new sultan who might not be as cooperative.

The British were particularly worried about the rise of Khalid bin Bargash, a young and ambitious sultan who had gained popularity among the Zanzibari people. Khalid had announced his intention to abolish the slave trade and sought to assert Zanzibar’s independence from British influence. The British saw this as a threat to their colonial interests and decided to take action.

The War

On August 27, 1896, the British launched a surprise attack on Zanzibar, hoping to quickly overwhelm the island’s defenses. The British warship HMS Philomel, accompanied by several smaller vessels, approached the harbor and began shelling the city. The Zanzibari forces, led by Khalid, were taken by surprise and were quickly overwhelmed.

Key Moments of the War

Here are some key moments of the war:

• 8:02 AM: The British warship HMS Philomel opens fire on the city, signaling the start of the war.
• 8:05 AM: The Zanzibari forces begin returning fire, but their defenses are quickly breached.
• 8:40 AM: The British capture the city, and Khalid flees to a nearby fort.
• 8:40 AM (38 minutes): The war ends with the capture of the city and the surrender of the Zanzibari forces.

Aftermath of the War

The war had a significant impact on Zanzibar and the British Empire. The British installed a new sultan, Hamud bin Thuwaini, who was more cooperative and willing to maintain British influence. The slave trade was eventually abolished in Zanzibar, and the island became a British protectorate.

Significance of the War

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was significant for several reasons:

• Colonialism: The war marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Zanzibar, which lasted until 1963 when the island gained independence.
• Abolition of the Slave Trade: The war led to the eventual abolition of the slave trade in Zanzibar, which was a major humanitarian achievement.
• Shortest War in History: The war remains the shortest war in recorded history, lasting a mere 38 minutes.

Table: Timeline of the Anglo-Zanzibar War

Conclusion

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a brief but significant conflict that marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Zanzibar. The war was sparked by the rise of a new sultan who sought to assert Zanzibar’s independence and abolish the slave trade. The British responded with a surprise attack, which led to the capture of the city and the surrender of the Zanzibari forces. The war had a lasting impact on Zanzibar and the British Empire, and its significance continues to be felt today.

Key Takeaways

• The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896.
• The war lasted for 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history.
• The war marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Zanzibar, which lasted until 1963.
• The war led to the eventual abolition of the slave trade in Zanzibar.
• The war remains a significant event in the history of colonialism and the struggle for independence.