Counting Down History’s Most Ridiculous War Triggers – Crazier Than Modern Jokes

The Shell Crisis of Zanzibar

In 1896, the Sultan of Zanzibar died. The British preferred a different successor than the one who took power. When their demands were ignored, Britain gave a 38-minute ultimatum — and then bombarded the palace. The entire war lasted just 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history.

The war began over a succession dispute but was triggered by bruised diplomatic egos. Over 500 shells were fired in under an hour, all because the wrong guy put on a crown. Moral of the story: never schedule a coup without first checking the Royal Navy’s mood.

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