The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, and lasted only 38 minutes. The conflict began when the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died, and the British were keen to install a new sultan. However, the opposing forces, led by Sultan Khalid bin Bargash, resisted the British influence. The war ended with the surrender of Khalid's forces, and the British installed a new sultan.