Video - 38-Minute War: The Blink-and-You-Missed-It Battle of 1896

Did you know that the shortest war in history lasted only 38 minutes? On August 27, 1896, the Anglo-Zanzibar War broke out between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The trigger? The Sultan of Zanzibar had the audacity to assume power without British approval. The British, being sticklers for control, weren't having any of that. They gave him an ultimatum to step down, which he ignored. Big mistake. The British navy then unleashed a bombardment on the Sultan's palace, effectively ending the conflict in less time than it takes to binge-watch an episode of your favorite show. Ever wish your Monday meetings could be that short and decisive?