⚔️ What was the shortest war in history?

The shortest war ever fought lasted just 38 minutes, between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar in 1896.

When the pro-British Sultan died, his successor, Prince Khālid ibn Barghash, refused to accept British rule, which technically made Queen Victoria next in line.

Britain didn’t take kindly to this. At 9 a.m. on 27th August, five Royal Navy ships opened fire on the Sultan’s palace. By 9:38, it was over.

Over 500 Zanzibaris were killed, and just one British sailor was seriously injured.

A war shorter than most tea breaks.