The shortest war in history lasted only 38 minutes - Apparently.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. Zanzibar's Sultan, Hamad bin Thuwaini, had died suddenly, and the British were eager to install a new sultan who would be more favorable to their interests. When Zanzibar's new sultan, Khalid bin Bargash, refused to step down, the British launched a surprise attack, which ended with Zanzibar's surrender just 38 minutes later. The war was sparked by a dispute over who should be the ruler of Zanzibar, and it marked the beginning of British colonial rule in the region.