The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a brief conflict that occurred on August 27, 1896, between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The war was triggered by the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, who was pro-British, and the subsequent ascension of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, who opposed British influence. The British supported a rival claimant to the throne, leading to tensions. The conflict lasted only about 38 minutes, making it one of the shortest wars in history. The British forces, equipped with superior naval power, quickly bombarded the Sultan's palace and military defenses, resulting in a decisive victory for the British and the establishment of a puppet sultanate.