TIL the shortest war in history?

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was the shortest war in recorded history, lasting only 38 minutes.

It began on August 27, 1896, when Britain declared war on the Sultanate of Zanzibar in response to the death of the pro-British sultan, Hamad bin Thuwaini, who was succeeded by Khalid bin Bargash, a less pro-British candidate.

The British, fearing a shift in power, launched an attack on Zanzibar, which was quickly overwhelmed by the superior British naval and military forces.

The war ended with a British victory, as Zanzibar formally surrendered.

The war was a result of a succession dispute and British efforts to maintain influence over Zanzibar and its strategic location on the East African coast.