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 surrendered after just 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history. The conflict began when the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died and the opposing faction installed a new sultan. The British responded with a naval blockade and ultimatum, which Zanzibar refused to comply with, leading to the brief but intense conflict.