The war between Zanzibar and England, called the Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted 38 minutes on 27 August 1896.

Anglo-Zanzibar War

Fought between the British Empire and Zanzibar

Fought in the Year of 1896

It only lasted 38 minutes

No. The shortest war ever recorded in history was the Anglo-Zanzibar War fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. The whole war was fought and ended in about 40 minutes.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was in 1896. At about 38 minutes, it's the shortest war on record. It is believed to have lasted from 9:02 to 9:40 a.m. East African Time, Aug. 27 after an ultimatum ran out at 9 a.m. and assembled British ships began shelling.