Anglo-Zanzibar War
Sultan's palace, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
What happened
British warships under Harry Rawson faced Khalid bin Barghash, who had made himself Sultan of Zanzibar. When Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died suddenly, Khalid moved into the palace without the British approval that an old treaty required. Britain sent an ultimatum, and when it ran out the ships shelled the palace. The palace caught fire, and the firing stopped after about 40 minutes.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It is often called the shortest war in recorded history. It began a long period of heavy British control over Zanzibar.
What came next
Khalid escaped to the German consulate and was taken to German East Africa. The British put in a new sultan, Hamoud bin Muhammed, who soon abolished slavery.
Did you know?
Sources say the war lasted 38, 40 or 45 minutes, depending on when you start counting.
Timeline
- 25 August 1896Sultan Hamad dies; Khalid takes the palace.
- 27 August 1896The ultimatum expires and the war takes place.
- 2000Stone Town becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 19 March 1927Khalid dies in Mombasa.