The Shortest War in History - Apparently.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, is recorded as the shortest war in recorded history. The war lasted only 38 minutes, with the British launching a surprise attack on Zanzibar after it refused to accept a British-appointed sultan. Zanzibar surrendered after just 12 minutes of fighting, and the remaining 26 minutes were spent on ceasefire negotiations. This brief conflict was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar, and it marked the beginning of British colonial rule on the island.