The Anglo-Zanzibar War, on August 27, 1896, was unusual because it was so brief, lasting no longer than 40 minutes: it was the shortest war in recorded history. It was triggered when Zanzibari Prince Khālid ibn Barghash refused to accept the British Empire’s choice of successor after the previous sultan’s death. Instead, Khālid occupied the sultan’s palace, prompting British imperial cruisers to fire on his position.
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