The shortest war in history lasted 38 minutes - Apparently.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, is recorded as the shortest war in history. The conflict began when the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died, and the opposing faction installed a new sultan, which the British deemed a threat to their interests. The British issued an ultimatum, which Zanzibar ignored, leading to a 38-minute naval bombardment of the city, resulting in the defeat of Zanzibar and the installation of a new government. This brief conflict is recognized by Guinness World Records as the shortest war in history.