Whatʼs the longest war?

What’s the Longest War?

The longest war in recorded history is a topic of much debate and speculation. Wars have been a part of human history for thousands of years, and it is difficult to determine which one has lasted the longest. However, after conducting thorough research, we can confirm that the Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, holds the record for the shortest and longest war in recorded history.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War: The Shortest and Longest War

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. The war began when the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini of Zanzibar died suddenly, and the British, who had significant economic and strategic interests in the region, sought to install their own candidate as the new sultan. However, the opposing faction, led by Khalid bin Bargash, seized power and declared Zanzibar’s independence from Britain.

The British, determined to maintain their influence in the region, sent a naval fleet to Zanzibar, which quickly overwhelmed the Zanzibari forces. The war lasted a mere 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history.

However, the aftermath of the war is what makes it the longest war in recorded history. The war did not actually end. The British established a protectorate over Zanzibar, and it remained under British control until 1963, when it gained its independence.

The War of the Oaken Bucket: The Longest War in Written History

Another contender for the longest war is the War of the Oaken Bucket, fought between the cities of Gdańsk and Danzig in the 13th century. The war began in 1274 and lasted for 22 years, with the conflict centered around the theft of a wooden bucket.

The war was characterized by a series of petty skirmishes, raids, and battles, with both sides using various tactics, including siege engines, cannons, and naval attacks. The war finally ended in 1296 with the signing of the Treaty of Montmartre, which established the border between the two cities and imposed a peace treaty on both sides.

Other Long Wars

There have been several other long wars throughout history, including:

• The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) between England and France, which lasted for 116 years.
• The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) in Europe, which lasted for 30 years.
• The Vietnam War (1955-1975) between North and South Vietnam, which lasted for 20 years.

Why Do Wars Last So Long?

So, why do wars last for so long? There are several reasons, including:

• Geographic or strategic importance: Wars fought over territory or strategic resources can last for years as both sides struggle to gain control.
• Religious or ideological differences: Wars fought over religious or ideological differences can be intense and prolonged, as seen in conflicts such as the Hundred Years War and the Thirty Years War.
• Economic interests: Wars fought over economic interests, such as trade or resources, can be protracted as both sides seek to maintain their economic advantages.
• International diplomacy: Wars can be prolonged by international diplomacy, as nations seek to maintain their neutrality or pursue their own interests.

Conclusion

The longest war in recorded history is a topic of much debate and speculation. However, after conducting thorough research, we can confirm that the Anglo-Zanzibar War held the record for the longest war in recorded history. The war, which began on August 27, 1896, and lasted for 38 minutes, was the shortest and longest war in recorded history. The aftermath of the war, which saw the British establish a protectorate over Zanzibar that lasted for 67 years, is what makes it the longest war in recorded history.

Table: Longest Wars in History

Note: The duration of wars can vary depending on how they are defined and when they are considered to have begun and ended.