What is the Shortest War?
The shortest war in history is a topic of great interest and debate among historians and military enthusiasts. While there have been several conflicts that have lasted only a few minutes, hours, or days, the shortest war is widely considered to be the Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896.
The Conflict
Zanzibar was a small archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania, then known as East Africa. In the late 19th century, Zanzibar was a semi-autonomous state under the rule of the British. However, the ruling sultan, Hamad bin Thuwaini, died on August 25, 1896, and was succeeded by Khalid bin Bargash, who refused to recognize British suzerainty.
The Causes of the War
The British were concerned about the instability in Zanzibar and the potential threat it posed to their interests in the region. They also wanted to maintain their control over the strategic port of Zanzibar, which was an important hub for trade and commerce.
On August 27, 1896, the British launched a surprise attack on Zanzibar, bombarding the city with warships. The Zanzibari forces were ill-equipped and poorly trained, and they were quickly overwhelmed by the British.
The Duration of the War
The war lasted only 38 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly – the entire conflict lasted less than an hour! The British launched their attack at 9:02 AM, and by 9:40 AM, the Zanzibari forces had surrendered.
The Consequences of the War
The war had significant consequences for Zanzibar. The British occupation of the archipelago led to the establishment of a protectorate, with the British exerting significant control over the country’s government and economy.
The war also marked the end of Zanzibar’s independence and its status as a semi-autonomous state. The British installed a new ruler, and the country became a British protectorate, with the British exerting significant control over its affairs.
Other Short Wars
While the Anglo-Zanzibar War is widely considered the shortest war in history, there have been several other conflicts that have lasted only a few hours or days. Here are a few examples:
- The Mexican-Chechnya War (1877): This war between Mexico and the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria lasted only 12 minutes.
- The Gambia-N Guinea Border Clash (1974): This conflict between Gambia and Guinea lasted only 30 minutes.
- The Iran-Bahrain Conflict (1883): This conflict between Iran and Bahrain lasted only 40 minutes.
Table: Shortest Wars in History
| War | Duration | Countries Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Anglo-Zanzibar War | 38 minutes | United Kingdom – Zanzibar |
| Mexican-Chechnya War | 12 minutes | Mexico – Chechen Republic of Ichkeria |
| Gambia-N Guinea Border Clash | 30 minutes | Gambia – Guinea |
| Iran-Bahrain Conflict | 40 minutes | Iran – Bahrain |
Conclusion
The Anglo-Zanzibar War is widely considered the shortest war in history, lasting only 38 minutes. While there have been several other conflicts that have lasted only a few hours or days, the Anglo-Zanzibar War is the most well-known and widely documented. The war marked the end of Zanzibar’s independence and its status as a semi-autonomous state, and it had significant consequences for the country’s government and economy.
