What War Lasted 38 Minutes?
When we think of wars, we often imagine long and grueling conflicts that stretch on for years, sometimes even decades. However, there is one war that lasted a mere 38 minutes. Yes, you read that right – 38 minutes! In this article, we’ll explore the story behind the shortest war in recorded history, known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War.
What Was the Anglo-Zanzibar War?
The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a military conflict fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. Zanzibar was a small archipelago located off the coast of present-day Tanzania. At the time, Zanzibar was a semi-autonomous state under the protection of the United Kingdom. The war was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar.
The Causes of the War
The war was the result of a long-standing feud between the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini and the anti-British Khalid bin Bargash. Khalid, who was the cousin of the Sultan, had recently overthrown Hamad and declared himself the new Sultan of Zanzibar. This move was seen as a threat to British influence in the region, as Khalid was known for his anti-British sentiments.
The Battle
The war began on August 27, 1896, when a British ultimatum demanding that Khalid step down was ignored. The British, led by Rear Admiral Harry Rawson, sent a fleet of warships to Zanzibar to enforce the ultimatum. The Zanzibari forces, led by Khalid, consisted of a small number of rifles and a few ships.
The battle lasted a mere 38 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the events:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:02 am | British warships open fire on Zanzibar city |
| 9:10 am | Zanzibari forces return fire, but are vastly outnumbered |
| 9:20 am | Zanzibari flagship, the Ghassem, is sunk |
| 9:30 am | Zanzibari forces surrender |
| 9:38 am | War ends |
The Aftermath
The war was a decisive victory for the British. Khalid bin Bargash was exiled, and Hamad bin Thuwaini was reinstated as the Sultan of Zanzibar. The British also installed a new government in Zanzibar, which was more favorable to their interests.
Why Was This War So Short?
So, why did this war last only 38 minutes? There are several reasons:
- Lopsided firepower: The British had a significant advantage in terms of firepower. Their warships were heavily armed with cannons, while the Zanzibari forces had only a few rifles and some small ships.
- Poor military strategy: The Zanzibari forces were led by Khalid, who was inexperienced in military affairs. They were unable to mount an effective defense against the British attack.
- Quick surrender: After the sinking of their flagship, the Zanzibari forces realized they were vastly outnumbered and outgunned. They surrendered quickly to avoid further casualties.
Conclusion
The Anglo-Zanzibar War is a fascinating example of a conflict that was resolved quickly and decisively. Despite being one of the shortest wars in history, it had significant consequences for the region. The war marked the beginning of a new era of British dominance in Zanzibar, and it set the stage for the eventual colonization of the region.
In conclusion, the Anglo-Zanzibar War was a short and bloody conflict that was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar. The war was a decisive victory for the British, who installed a new government in Zanzibar that was more favorable to their interests. Despite its brevity, the war had significant consequences for the region and is an important reminder of the complex and often violent history of colonialism.
