TIL that the shortest war in history took place between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, lasting only 38 minutes. The conflict arose due to a succession dispute within the Zanzibar Sultanate after the death of the ruling Sultan. As tensions escalated, the British government intervened and issued an ultimatum to the rival claimant, demanding his resignation.

When the ultimatum expired, the British fleet, consisting of warships armed with powerful artillery, swiftly attacked the Sultan’s palace. The poorly equipped defenders of the Sultanate, outnumbered and outgunned, stood little chance against the onslaught. Within less than an hour, the Sultan’s forces surrendered, and the British installed their preferred candidate as the new Sultan.