The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is recorded as the shortest war in history, lasting between 38 and 45 minutes.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 38 to 45 minutes
- Date
- 27 August 1896
- Zanzibari casualties
- ~500
- British casualties
- 1 sailor injured
- Zanzibari defenders
- ~2,800
- British forces assembled
- 2 cruisers, 3 gunboats, 150 marines, 900 Zanzibaris
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The death of pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini on 25 August 1896 led to Sultan Khalid bin Barghash seizing power without British consent, violating the 1890 protectorate agreement requiring British approval for succession. The British regarded this as a casus belli and issued an ultimatum demanding Khalid stand down his forces and vacate the palace.
When the ultimatum expired at 09:00 on 27 August 1896, British forces under Rear-Admiral Harry Rawson opened a naval bombardment at 09:02, setting the palace ablaze and disabling Zanzibari artillery. The Zanzibari royal yacht and two smaller vessels were sunk. The palace flag was shot down and firing ceased at 09:46, ending the conflict in under 45 minutes.
Zanzibar suffered roughly 500 casualties against one injured British sailor. Sultan Khalid fled to the German consulate and later escaped to German East Africa. The British installed Sultan Hamoud as a puppet ruler, effectively ending the Sultanate of Zanzibar as a sovereign state and establishing firm British control over the territory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Rear-Admiral Harry Rawson, Brigadier-General Lloyd Mathews.
Side B
1 belligerent
Sultan Khalid bin Barghash.