Short Stuff: The Shortest War

Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
Hosts: Josh and Chuck (with Jerry guest-hosting for Dave)
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Duration: Approximately 13 minutes

Introduction

In the Short Stuff episode titled "The Shortest War," hosts Josh and Chuck delve into the fascinating history of the Anglo-Zanzibar War, recognized as the shortest war in recorded history. Jerry steps in to fill Dave’s role, ensuring the discussion remains engaging and informative.

Background: Zanzibar's Strategic Importance

The episode begins with Josh introducing the topic: "the Anglo Zanzibar war," noted for its brevity, lasting between 38 to 45 minutes (00:47). Chuck elaborates on the geopolitical significance of Zanzibar in 1896, explaining that it was a wealthy trading port off the coast of present-day Tanzania. The island was a critical hub for trading ivory, spices, textiles, and, tragically, enslaved Africans—reportedly up to 30,000 people were trafficked through Zanzibar into the 1880s (03:00).

Quote:
Josh: “Zanzibar was a very important place at the time.” (00:47)

British Interests and the Scramble for Africa

Chuck discusses the British motivations for involvement in Zanzibar, highlighting two main factors:

1. Control of the Expensive Port: Ensuring dominance over a key trading location.
2. Opposition to Slavery: The British were intent on abolishing the slave trade in Africa.

He connects these factors to the broader context of the Scramble for Africa, where European powers divided the continent into zones of influence through treaties and colonization (04:31). This imperialistic maneuvering set the stage for future conflicts and long-term colonization lasting until the 1960s.

Quote:
Chuck: “The British really didn't like this. They wanted to control this really expensive port.” (03:35)

Installation of a Puppet Sultan and the Succession Crisis

In 1893, Zanzibar became a British protectorate, meaning it was nominally self-ruling but under stringent British control. The British installed Hamad bin Thuwaini as a puppet sultan, ensuring his compliance with British interests. However, his nephew, Khalid bin Barghash, sought to seize the throne, allegedly through assassination attempts on his uncle or cousin (05:38).

Josh elaborates on Barghash’s attempt to overthrow the installed sultan, describing him as unreliable and a threat to British authority.

Quote:
Josh: “They made Zanzibar a British protectorate. They wanted to get a friendly sultan in there.” (04:31)

The Ultimatum: British Demands and the Clock Ticks Down

On the day of the conflict, Barghash Barghash refused to step down, prompting the British to issue an ultimatum: leave the palace by 9:00 AM or face consequences. Chuck humorously notes the British Consul, Basil Cave, delivered the ultimatum in a typically British manner: “we have no intention of hauling down our flag, and we do not believe you will fire upon us” (09:33).

Quote:
Basil Cave: “We have no intention of hauling down our flag, and we do not believe you will fire upon us.” (09:33)

The Bombardment: A Swift and One-Sided Conflict

As the clock struck 9:00 AM, the British navy commenced a deluge of artillery fire on the Sultan's palace. Within 38 minutes, the bombardment effectively ended the conflict. Josh recounts how Barghash fled to the German consulate mere minutes into the attack, leaving the British in control (10:15).

Chuck emphasizes the lopsided nature of the casualties: approximately 500 Zanzibaris were killed, while the British sustained virtually no casualties, save for one sailor wounded possibly from accidents onboard warships (10:46).

Quote:
Chuck: “Only one British sailor was wounded even.” (10:56)

Aftermath: Installation of a New Sultan and Colonial Implications

Following the swift British victory, a new sultan sympathetic to British interests was installed, reinforcing colonial control over Zanzibar. Chuck reflects on the broader implications, noting that this demonstration of British might served as a warning to other East African nations: “these guys will mess you up. They're not messing around” (12:02). This event intensified the Scramble for Africa, with other European powers accelerating their own colonization efforts to avoid being overshadowed.

Zanzibar's Path to Independence

The episode concludes by tracing Zanzibar's journey post-colonialism. On December 10, 1963, Zanzibar gained full sovereignty and joined the Commonwealth of Nations. Shortly thereafter, it merged with Tanganyika to form the modern nation of Tanzania (12:21). Josh and Chuck express enthusiasm for uncovering more about African history, highlighting the importance of such episodes in educating listeners.

Quote:
Chuck: “Zanzibar was under British control until December 10, 1963, and then they became a fully sovereign state.” (12:21)

Conclusion

Josh and Chuck wrap up the episode by celebrating Zanzibar's transition to independence and its merger into Tanzania, underlining the significant historical impact of the Anglo-Zanzibar War. They express anticipation for future explorations into African history, recognizing the depth and complexity of the continent’s past.

Note: Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse light-hearted conversations and advertisements. However, the core content remains focused on delivering a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the shortest war in history.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh (00:47): “Zanzibar was a very important place at the time.”
• Chuck (03:35): “The British really didn't like this. They wanted to control this really expensive port.”
• Josh (04:31): “They made Zanzibar a British protectorate. They wanted to get a friendly sultan in there.”
• Basil Cave (09:33): “We have no intention of hauling down our flag, and we do not believe you will fire upon us.”
• Chuck (10:56): “Only one British sailor was wounded even.”
• Chuck (12:02): “These guys will mess you up. They're not messing around.”
• Chuck (12:21): “Zanzibar was under British control until December 10, 1963, and then they became a fully sovereign state.”

This comprehensive summary provides an in-depth look at the Anglo-Zanzibar War, capturing the key discussions, historical insights, and conclusions presented by Josh and Chuck. It serves as an informative guide for those unfamiliar with the episode, encapsulating the essence of one of history’s briefest conflicts.