The shortest war in history lasted 38 minutes - Apparently.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after just 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history. The war was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar, and the British ultimatum to the Zanzibari forces was rejected, leading to the brief but intense conflict. This unusual event is well-documented in historical records, including those from the British government.