The shortest war in history lasted only 38 minutes - Apparently.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, is recorded as the shortest war in history. The war began when the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died, and the opposing faction in Zanzibar, led by Khalid bin Bargash, seized power. The British launched a naval attack, and after just 38 minutes, Khalid's forces surrendered, marking the end of the conflict. This bizarre war was sparked by a dispute over who should become the new sultan of Zanzibar.