Anglo-Zanzibar War: Shortest War in History

August 27, 1896 - Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the Anglo-Zanzibar War becomes the shortest war in history. The conflict was the result of a dispute over succession to the sultanate of Zanzibar. After the late sultan's nephew, Khalid bin Bargash, staged a coup d'état and assumed power, the British, who were advancing their own candidate, ordered him to step down. After a British ultimatum expired, the Royal Navy opened fire on the palace (right) and forced Bargash to seek asylum from the Germans. Bargash's retreat allowed the British to place Hamud bin Muhammed on the throne.

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