Shortest war
- Who
- Anglo–Zanzibar War (1896)
- When
- 27 August 1896
The shortest war on record was that between Britain and Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania), which lasted from 9:00 am to 9:45 am on 27 August 1896.
On 25 August 1896 Sultan Sayyid Hamid bin Thuwaini died, and his throne usurped by his relative Sayyid Khalid with the help of the German army. Since 1890, Britain had established a protectorate over Zanzibar and in response to this action, sent the Royal Navy to get rid of the usurper, which they did on the 27 August.
Admiral Rawson, leader of the British bombardment, received the Order of the Brilliant Star of Zanzibar (first class) from Sayyid Hamud bin Muhammad, the new Sultan.