The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought on August 27, 1896, stands as the shortest recorded war in history, lasting a mere 38 minutes. This swift and decisive conflict unfolded between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, triggered by a succession dispute and British efforts to exert influence over the island’s governance.
Historical Context
During the 19th century, the British Empire steadily expanded its dominance over East Africa, including Zanzibar. The island, once a flourishing mercantile hub under Sayyid Saʿīd ibn Sulṭān, gradually came under European control. After the death of Sultan Barghash ibn Saʿīd, European powers, particularly Britain and Germany, partitioned Zanzibari territories. By 1890, Zanzibar had become a British protectorate, with the sultanate preserved in a largely symbolic capacity.
Britain’s policies in Zanzibar focused on two primary goals: abolishing slavery and restoring the island’s mercantile prominence. However, these initiatives, particularly the abolition of slavery, met with resistance from Zanzibari merchants and the ruling elite. Sultan Sayyid Ali ibn Saʿīd resisted British influence until his death in 1893, after which Britain began selecting successors to ensure compliance with its directives.
Succession Disputes and Tensions
Following Ali’s death, the British endorsed Ḥamad ibn Thuwayn as sultan, despite claims by Prince Khālid ibn Barghash, the son of Sultan Barghash. Khālid’s attempts to claim the throne were initially thwarted, and Ḥamad ruled with relative compliance until 1896. However, Ḥamad’s growing resentment toward British oversight led him to build a private militia of approximately 1,000 loyalists.
Ḥamad’s sudden death on August 25, 1896, reignited the succession crisis. British officials, led by Arthur Hardinge and his deputy Basil Cave, favored Ḥamud ibn Moḥammed, a candidate amenable to British policies, particularly the abolition of slavery. Undeterred by British opposition, Khālid declared himself sultan and seized the palace, supported by nearly 3,000 troops, a small artillery battery, and the armed royal yacht Glasgow.
The Battle
In response to Khālid’s defiance, British forces quickly mobilized. Rear Admiral Harry Rawson of HMS St. George assembled five Royal Navy ships in the harbor, along with a contingent of British marines and up to 900 Zanzibari loyalists. An ultimatum was delivered to Khālid, demanding his surrender by 9:00 am on August 27. When Khālid refused, Rawson ordered the bombardment of the palace.
At precisely 9:00 am, HMS Racoon, Thrush, and Sparrow opened fire, reducing the palace to flames within minutes. The Glasgow attempted retaliation but was swiftly neutralized. By the end of the 40-minute engagement, 500 of Khālid’s forces were killed, while British forces suffered minimal casualties, with only one sailor seriously wounded. Following the assault, Khālid fled to the German consulate, seeking asylum.
Aftermath and Legacy
Later that same day, Ḥamud ibn Moḥammed was installed as sultan and immediately acquiesced to British demands, including the formal abolition of slavery. Khālid was granted refuge by the Germans and lived in exile in Dar es Salaam until his arrest by British forces during World War I. He died in Mombasa in 1927.
The war underscored the overwhelming military superiority of the British Empire and solidified its control over Zanzibar. No further uprisings occurred until the island achieved independence from British protectorate status in 1963.
Conclusion
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, while brief, was emblematic of the larger struggles for sovereignty faced by smaller states under the shadow of imperialism. It serves as a historical reminder of the complex interplay between local leadership, colonial ambitions, and the global forces that shaped the modern world.
