Wars, although generally associated with long periods of time and devastation, do not always last for long. In history, there are conflicts that lasted a surprisingly short time. These brief wars are often underestimated, but they can have significant consequences. The analysis of shorter wars reveals how certain strategic and political factors can accelerate the resolution of this type of conflict.
The shortest war in history
The Anglo-Zanzibarian War, fought on August 27, 1896, holds the title of the shortest war in recorded history. This conflict between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate lasted between 38 and 45 minutes. The quick resolution was due to the overwhelming British military superiority and the almost non-existent resistance of Zanzibar.
The conflict broke out after the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, who was favorable to the British, and the assumption of power by Khalid bin Barghash, whom the British did not support.
Serbian/Bulgarian war that lasted 14 days
In 1885, the Principality of Bulgaria annexed Eastern Rumelia, a province under Ottoman control that was located south of Bulgaria. Serbia considered this action a threat to the political balance in the Balkans and to its own interests.
As a result, he declared war on Bulgaria on November 14, 1885. However, just two weeks later, on November 28, Bulgarian troops defeated and invaded Serbia. In 1886 they established peace in Bucharest, which led to international recognition of Bulgarian unification.
The Ten Day War: Slovenia and Yugoslavia
Another brief conflict was the “Ten Day War,” fought in June 1991 between Slovenia and Yugoslavia. The war began when Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia.
The conflict lasted just ten days before a ceasefire agreement was reached. The end of this war marked the independence of Slovenia. Despite its short duration, this war had a significant impact on the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
Indo-Pakistani war conflict of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani war of 1971 is another notable example. This conflict lasted 13 days, from December 3 to 16, 1971. The result was the creation of Bangladesh. The war broke out due to the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan and the subsequent military intervention by India.
Although brief, this war conflict had lasting consequences on the geopolitics of South Asia, as this event weakened Pakistan and strengthened India’s influence in the region.
The Six Day War: Israel and the Arab coalition
The “Six-Day War,” fought from June 5 to 10, 1967, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, is another example of a brief but momentous conflict. Israel launched preemptive strikes against Egypt, Jordan and Syria, achieving a quick and decisive victory. The war significantly changed the borders and political dynamics of the Middle East.
Regardless of the duration, its impact on populations, especially children, is significant and lasting. The shortest wars in history, despite their brief duration, had far-reaching and lasting consequences on world history and geopolitics.
