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August 25, 1896: Death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini

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August 25, 1896: Death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini

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Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, who had been a British ally, died at 11:40 AM in the Zanzibar Palace. His death triggered a succession crisis that would lead to the shortest war in recorded history.

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August 26, 1896: Sultan Khalid's Unauthorized Ascension

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August 26, 1896: Sultan Khalid's Unauthorized Ascension

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Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, against British wishes, took control of the palace and proclaimed himself the new Sultan. He gathered approximately 2,800 supporters and barricaded himself inside the palace complex.

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August 27, 1896 08:30 AM: British Ultimatum Delivered

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August 27, 1896 08:30 AM: British Ultimatum Delivered

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British Consul Basil Cave delivered an ultimatum to Sultan Khalid: leave the palace by 9:00 AM or face bombardment. The ultimatum was delivered at the British Consulate, where military preparations were underway.

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With Khalid's refusal to step down, British warships began their bombardment of the palace. The HMS Philomel, HMS Rush, and HMS Sparrow opened fire from the harbor.

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August 27, 1896: Palace Artillery Position

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August 27, 1896: Palace Artillery Position

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Sultan Khalid's forces had positioned several artillery pieces and a shore battery, including a prized American Gatling gun and several older cannons, but these proved ineffective against the modern British ships.

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The HMS St George, the largest British vessel present, was positioned strategically to cut off any possible escape by sea. It played a crucial role in maintaining the naval blockade.

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August 27, 1896 09:38 AM: Sultan's Escape Route

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August 27, 1896 09:38 AM: Sultan's Escape Route

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As the palace began to collapse under British bombardment, Sultan Khalid and his remaining supporters fled through the back of the palace complex. He sought asylum at the German consulate.

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The war officially ended with the palace in ruins, approximately 500 of Khalid's supporters killed or wounded, and Sultan Hamud bin Muhammed, the British's preferred candidate, installed as the new Sultan. British casualties: one wounded sailor.