Episode 30: The Anglo-Zanzibar War

Smarticus Tells History

There is no shortage of historical conflict to talk about, but only one war in known history started and ended on the same day. As a result of a jilted sultan-to-be calling a British bluff, the Anglo-Zanzibar War in 1896 was over in less than an hour. In this episode of Smarticus Tells History, Smarticus explains the complicated protectorate relationship that led to the British gaining control of the Zanzibari Sultanate and introduces you to a young heir to the throne who stared down the British Navy in his refusal to step aside. While ridiculous in its brevity, the Anglo-Zanzibar War resulted in hundreds of deaths and the needless destruction of the iconic palace of Zanzibar.

Highlights:

The Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted less than an hour but was building for years. Some of the highlights include:

A look at the history of warfare and conflict throughout recorded history.

• A primer on British protectorate relations with Zanzibar.
• The line of succession that led to (and side-stepped) young Khalid bin Barghash.
• Khalid’s first attempt to ascend to the throne after the death of his father.
• The reign of Hamad and its abrupt end that prompted another attempt to mount the throne by Khalid.
• The standoff in the palace square that led to an ultimatum for would-be-sultan Khalid.
• The conflict that lasted less than an hour and would be known as the world’s shortest war.
• The fate of Khalid and the country of Zanzibar.

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Sources:

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Shortest-War-in-History/

https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/06/books/chapters/what-every-person-should-know-about-war.html

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