Anglo-Zanzibar War

38 Minutes War

Conversation With Chat GPT 15 March 2023

Question Asked: Elaborate why the shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896, and why did it only last for just 38 minutes?

Question Answered by ChatGPT:

The Anglo-Zanzibar War was a brief military conflict fought between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate on 27 August 1896. The conflict took place after the sudden death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, and the subsequent succession of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash.

Khalid, who was supported by Germany, refused to step down and instead barricaded himself inside the Sultan's Palace. The British demanded that he abdicate in favour of their preferred candidate, Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed, and warned that if Khalid did not comply, they would take military action.

Source: Sultan Khalid bin Barghash Wikipedia

At 9:00 a.m. on 27 August 1896, a bombardment of the palace began, conducted by three British cruisers and two gunboats. The bombardment lasted just 38 minutes, and resulted in the palace being set on fire and the defending forces sustained heavy casualties.

Following the bombardment, Khalid fled the palace and took refuge in the German consulate. He was later persuaded to surrender to the British authorities. The conflict was officially over by 9:40 a.m., making it the shortest war in recorded history.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War had little strategic significance. It highlighted the power of the British Empire, and served as a warning to other countries about the consequences of challenging British interests.

Question Asked: Which were the ships involved in the conflict?

Question Answered by ChatGPT:

The British naval forces involved in the Anglo-Zanzibar War were:

HMS Racoon

HMS Racoon - a Cruiser of the Royal Navy

Source: Photograph of port side of HMS Racoon (ship): sails down, funnel visible Royal Collection Trust

HMS Philomel

HMS Philomel - a Cruiser of the Royal Navy

Source: HMS Philomel Berthing at the ferry wharf Wellington 1917 Torpedo Navy Museum

HMS Sparrow

HMS Sparrow - a gunboat of the Royal Navy

Source: HMS Sparrow Storm Bay Books

HMS Thrush

HMS Thrush - a gunboat of the Royal Navy

Source: HMS Thrush dated 1890 Royal Collection Trust

HMS St George

HMS St George - a flagship of the Royal Navy, was stationed in the nearby harbour of Dar es Salaam. It did not take an active part in the bombardment.

Source: HMS St George Wikipedia

These ships were used to carry out the naval bombardment of the Sultan's Palace in Zanzibar during the conflict.

Question Asked: Tell me about the history of these ships?

Question Answered by ChatGPT:

Certainly, here is a brief history of the British naval ships involved in the Anglo-Zanzibar War:

HM Ship Racoon

HMS Racoon: Launched in 1886, HMS Racoon was a second-class protected cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was armed with six 5-inch guns, six 6-pounder guns, and two torpedo tubes. During her service, she was deployed to various parts of the world, including the Mediterranean, China, and the Pacific. She was decommissioned in 1903 and sold for scrap in 1910.

HM Ship Philomel

HMS Philomel: Launched in 1885, HMS Philomel was also a second-class protected cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was armed with eight 4.7-inch guns, four 6-pounder guns, and two torpedo tubes. She served in various roles, including as a training ship, before being sold for scrap in 1904.

HM Ship Sparrow

HMS Sparrow: HMS Sparrow was a gunboat of the Royal Navy, launched in 1889. She was armed with one 4-inch gun and two machine guns. She was mainly used for colonial duties and was sold in 1906.

HM Ship Thrush

HMS Thrush: Launched in 1893, HMS Thrush was also a gunboat of the Royal Navy. She was armed with one 4-inch gun, two 3-pounder guns, and two machine guns. She served in various parts of the world, including China and East Africa, before being sold in 1911.

HM Ship St George

HMS St George: HMS St George was a flagship of the Royal Navy, launched in 1892. She was a pre-dreadnought battleship armed with four 12-inch guns, twelve 6-inch guns, and numerous smaller guns. She served in various roles, including as a training ship and a guardship, before being sold for scrap in 1920.

These ships, along with other British naval vessels, played an important role in maintaining the British Empire's global presence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Question Asked: Can you elaborate further about HMS St George?

Question Answered by ChatGPT:

Certainly, here is some additional information about HMS St George:

HMS St George was a pre-dreadnought battleship of the Royal Navy and the lead ship of her class. She was launched on 22 June 1892 and commissioned on 19 September 1894. At the time of her launch, she was one of the largest and most powerful battleships in the world.

HMS St George was armed with four 12-inch guns, twelve 6-inch guns, and numerous smaller guns. She was also equipped with four torpedo tubes. Her armour plating was up to 18 inches thick, making her a formidable warship.

During her service, HMS St George was used in various roles, including as a training ship for midshipmen and a guardship at the naval base in Portsmouth. She was also part of the Mediterranean Fleet and the Channel Fleet, and participated in naval exercises and manoeuvres.

By the time of the Anglo-Zanzibar War in 1896, HMS St George was stationed at the nearby harbour of Dar es Salaam, but did not take an active part in the bombardment of the Sultan's Palace in Zanzibar. Instead, she was on standby in case her assistance was required.

HMS St George was decommissioned in 1904 and converted into a gunnery training ship. She continued in this role until 1920, when she was sold for scrap. Despite her relatively short active service, HMS St George played an important role in the development of naval technology and strategy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Zanzibar

Question Asked: Tell us all about Zanzibar, both in the past and current day?

Source: Zanzibar Wikipedia

Question Answered by ChatGPT:

Certainly! Here is some information about Zanzibar's history and its current status:

Unguja & Pemba Islands

Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of East Africa, consisting of two main islands, Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island, as well as several smaller islands. The archipelago has a long and complex history, shaped by its location at the crossroads of Arab, Indian, and African trade routes.

Sultanate

Zanzibar was an important trading centre for spices, ivory, and slaves, with trade routes extending across the Indian Ocean and beyond. The island was ruled by a succession of sultans, who maintained diplomatic and economic ties with various powers, including the Portuguese, the Omani Empire, and the British.

British Protectorate

In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate, but retained a degree of autonomy under the rule of the sultan. The island played a strategic role in British colonial interests in East Africa, serving as a base for operations against German colonial forces during World War I.

Independence

In 1963, Zanzibar gained independence from Britain, and in 1964, it merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Despite being part of Tanzania, Zanzibar has its own government and president, and has a semi-autonomous status within the country.

Tourist Destination

Today, Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination, known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. The archipelago has a diverse population, with Swahili, Arabic, and Indian influences evident in its cuisine, architecture, and customs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Zanzibar is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Stone Town of Zanzibar, a historic trading centre with a rich blend of architectural styles, and the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, a unique ecosystem with endemic flora and fauna.

Despite its status as a tourist destination, Zanzibar faces several challenges, including poverty, high unemployment, and environmental degradation. The government is working to address these issues, while also promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the island's unique cultural and natural heritage.

Table of Contents

Anglo-Zanzibar War - Poem

In 1896, in Zanzibar town,

A war was waged that brought the crown down,

The Sultan, supported by Germany,

Refused to give up his sovereignty.

The British demanded, he step aside,

But Khalid bin Barghash, refused to abide,

He barricaded himself by the citadel’s forecourt,

Refusing to relinquish his Palace’s fort.

The Brits warned, and gave their military commands,

If the Sultan refused to comply, with their demands,

So, they lined-up their ships in the bay,

And prepared to take action, if he would disobey.

At 9 a.m., the bombardment dispensed,

The ships fired their cannons and war commenced,

The palace walls and the Sultan's force,

In just 38 minutes, the fight ran its course.

The palace was destroyed, the Sultan fled,

Into the German consulate, he was led,

He finally surrendered to the British,

And war was over, ending the skirmish.

So ends the story of the 38 minutes war,

That made swift history, forevermore,

The British showed their power and might,

Cautioning other nations, never to pick a fight!

Battle Of Waterloo Bicentenary

A Brief Account

F McCullough

Book On Amazon

Zanzibar - Song

Zanzibar, Zanzibar, land of spice and gold,

In the Indian Ocean, a tale to be told.

Beneath the sun, and under starry skies,

It’s a place, where loveliness never dies.

Zanzibar, oh Zanzibar,

Where the land meets the sea, and the spirit soars.

Zanzibar, oh Zanzibar,

Where colours blend, and the ocean roars.

From Stone Town, to Pemba's shore,

The culture, it's a land to adore.

With Swahili, Arabic, and Indian flair,

The music, the food, is beyond compare.

Zanzibar, oh Zanzibar,

Where the land meets the sea, and the spirit soars.

Zanzibar, oh Zanzibar,

Where colours blend, and the ocean roars.

The sun-kissed beaches, and the ocean's breeze,

The coral reefs, and the tall palm trees.

The friendly people, with smiles so bright,

Welcome you, with much warmth and delight.

Zanzibar, oh Zanzibar,

Where the land meets the sea, and the spirit soars,

Zanzibar, oh Zanzibar,

Where colours blend, and the ocean roars.

Zanzibar, Zanzibar, land of spice and gold,

In the Indian Ocean, with a story to be told.

Visit and experience, the magic for yourself,

Zanzibar, it's a country like no other, it has true wealth!

Artwork

Green Mountain

Artwork

Information

Image Citations

38 Minutes War

Conversation With Chat GPT 15 March 2023

Unguja & Pemba Islands

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Anglo-Zanzibar War - Poem

Battle Of Waterloo Bicentenary

Photographs & Art Works

Copyright

My Lap Shop Publishers

My Lap Shop Publishers Logo

Keywords: Brief conflict, Naval bombardment, Power of the British Empire, Pro-British Sultan, Sultan's refusal to abdicate, Sudden death of Sultan Hamad, Succession of Sultan Khalid, Warning to other countries, Anglo-Zanzibar War, bombardment, British Empire, Khalid bin Barghash, naval forces, Pro-British Sultan, Sultan, Sultan's Palace, Sultan's refusal to abdicate, Sudden death of Sultan Hamad, Succession of Sultan Khalid, United Kingdom, Warning to other countries, Zanzibar, Archipelago, Colonial History, East Africa,

Hashtags: #Archipelago, #Beaches, #ColonialHistory, #Culture, #EastAfrica, #Heritage, #Islands, #Spices, #Tourism, #UNESCO, #Zanzibar

Created: 16 March 2023

Published: 18 March 2023

Page URL: https://www.mylapshop.com/anglozanzibarwar.htm