Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Shortest War
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Jun 18, 2025 Discover the astonishing tale of the Anglo-Zanzibar War, the shortest conflict in human history, lasting less than an hour. Uncover Zanzibar's rich history as a crucial trading port embroiled in the spice and slave trades. Dive into the dramatic clash between British forces and the Sultan, where a swift bombardment led to chaos. Explore the war's lasting impacts on East Africa, shaping leadership and governance, and setting the stage for Zanzibar's eventual unification with Tanganyika to form Tanzania.
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Shortest War in History
- The Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted less than an hour, making it the shortest war in history.
- The war was a one-sided conflict between the British Royal Navy and Zanzibar's sultan over political control.
Zanzibar's Trade Importance
- Zanzibar was a wealthy trade hub in the 1890s, trading ivory, spices, weapons, textiles, and tragically enslaved Africans.
- The British sought control of Zanzibar to protect trade interests and suppress the slave trade.
British Protectorate Status
- A British treaty in 1890 carved African territories, making Zanzibar a British protectorate.
- Protectorates had self-rule but remained under British control mostly as "colony light."