The shortest war in history took place between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. This conflict, known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, lasted for a mere 38 minutes, making it the shortest war to date. During this brief but intense confrontation, the British forces swiftly defeated the Sultanate's army, resulting in the surrender of Zanzibar. The war was sparked by a succession crisis following the death of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, who had taken the throne without British approval. The British government supported another candidate, Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed, leading to tensions between the two sides. In an attempt to assert their influence and protect their interests in the region, the British issued an ultimatum to the Sultan, demanding that he step down from the throne. When the Sultan refused to comply, British warships began bombarding the Sultan's palace and other key locations in Zanzibar. The overwhelming firepower of the British navy quickly overwhelmed the Sultanate's defenses, leading to a swift and decisive victory for the British Empire. The Sultan's forces were no match for the technologically superior British military, and the conflict was over in less than an hour. Despite its short duration, the Anglo-Zanzibar War had significant implications for the region. The defeat of the Sultanate of Zanzibar solidified British dominance in East Africa and paved the way for further colonial expansion in the region. In conclusion, the shortest war in history took place between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar in 1896. Lasting just 38 minutes, this brief but impactful conflict highlighted the power disparity between colonial powers and smaller nations. The Anglo-Zanzibar War serves as a reminder of the swift and decisive nature of military interventions in the pursuit of geopolitical interests.

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