The shortest war in history ended in just 38 minutes

The shortest war in history was the Anglo-Zanzibar War, which took place on August 27, 1896. Background: When the pro-British Sultan of the African island nation of Zanzibar suddenly died, his cousin 'Khalid', who was not pro-British, took the throne without British approval. Development and Conclusion: When Britain sent an ultimatum, Khalid refused. The British fleet then began bombarding the palace. Just 38 minutes after the bombardment began, the Zanzibari palace was completely destroyed, and Khalid's side surrendered, bringing the war to a swift end.