The Brief Yet Impactful Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896
This War Lasted Just 38 Minutes And One Side Never Stood A Chance
News 18
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The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 lasted just 38 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history. Triggered by a succession crisis following Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini's death, the conflict showcased Britain's overwhelming military power against local resistance, resulting in significant casualties for Zanzibar and the installation of a British-backed sultan.
- 01The war lasted only 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in history.
- 02It resulted from a power struggle after Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini's sudden death.
- 03Khalid bin Barghash declared himself sultan without British consent, leading to conflict.
- 04The British forces had a decisive advantage with warships and artillery.
- 05Casualties were heavily skewed, with around 500 Zanzibaris killed or injured compared to one British injury.
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The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is notable for being the shortest war in history, lasting just 38 minutes. The conflict erupted following the unexpected death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, which created a power vacuum. His cousin, Khalid bin Barghash, seized control of the palace and declared himself sultan without British approval. In response, the British government supported another candidate, Hamud bin Mohammed, and issued an ultimatum to Khalid to step down. When he refused, the British forces, equipped with warships and artillery, bombarded the palace. The attack quickly overwhelmed Khalid's defenders, leading to his flight to the German consulate and the installation of Hamud as the new sultan. The war resulted in approximately 500 casualties on the Zanzibari side, while the British reported only a minor injury, highlighting the disparity in power and the brutal nature of colonial dominance at the time.
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The war underscored the consequences of colonial rule in Zanzibar, leading to a shift in power dynamics and the establishment of a government aligned with British interests.
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