Week 11
Monday, 13th November, 2023.
Global Perspectives
Challenge 2: Conflict Resolution
Sub Challenge: Anglo-Zanzibar War
Overview: Look at a conflict, think about why it happens, and
come up with a course of action to resolve it.
Skills:
Analysis
Conflicts arise when people put their own interests above the
well-being of others. This can lead to bitterness, anger,
confrontation, selfishness, greed, and a disregard for others are
all ingredients for conflict. War is generally defined as violent
conflict between states or nations. Nations go to war for a
variety of reasons. It has been argued that a nation will go to
war if the benefits of war are deemed to outweigh the
disadvantages (National Geographic, 2023). The little known
Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is generally considered to be the
shortest war in history, lasting for a grand total of 38 minutes
(Johnson, 2015). Britain and Germany divided East Africa.
Britain controlled Zanzibar, and Germany controlled mainland
Tanzania. Britain gained more power in the region and
appointed a pro-British Sultan in Zanzibar. The Sultan's peaceful
rule ended suddenly on August 25, 1896, when he died under
mysterious circumstances. It is believed that his cousin, Khalid
bin Barghash, poisoned him. Upon Hamad's death, Khalid
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swiftly seized power without British consent, prompting
disapproval from local British diplomats leading to anger. Khalid
ignored these warnings and instead starting gathering his
forces around the Palace. These forces were surprisingly well
armed, although it is worth noting that quite a few of their guns
and canons were actually diplomatic gifts that had been
presented to the former Sultan over the years, by the end of
25th August, Khalid had his palace secured with almost 3,000
men, several artillery guns and even and modestly armed Royal
Yacht in the nearby harbor (Johnson, 2015). The troops were
sent ashore to protect the British Consulate.
Khalid bin Barghash(the cousin of Hamid)
(Wikipedians, 2023). Embassies, consulates and high
commissions represent the UK in other countries through the
British consul (Nidirect, 2023).
The British Consulate (Johnson, 2015)
On August 26th, Khalid was issued an ultimatum to vacate the
palace by 9am the following day. In preparation for potential
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conflict, Cave instructed all non-military vessels to depart the
harbor that evening in preparation of the war. At 8am the next
morning, only one hour before the ultimatum expired, Khalid
sent a reply to Cave stating: “We have no intention of hauling
down our flag and we do not believe you would open fire on us.
“Cave replied in true 19th century British diplomatic style,
stating that he had no desire to fire upon the palace but unless
you do as you are told, we shall certainly do so” (Johnson,
2015). By 09:40 the Sultan’s flag pulled down and the shortest
war in history had ended after 38 minutes (Lore, 2019).
Perspectives
The Anglo(British) Perspective
The quick and overwhelming victory served as a significant
confidence booster for the British military. It demonstrated
their effectiveness and efficiency in combat, reinforcing a sense
of professionalism and superiority. The British acquisition of
control over Zanzibar in 1896 granted them access to the
island's valuable resources this access improved their economic
benefits of the British traders.
Overall the Anglo Zanzibar war had an impact of the British.
While it provided immediate benefits in terms of military
prestige, economic gains, and strategic control, it also planted
the seeds of future challenges. It contributed to the rise of anticolonial movements, raised ethical questions about colonialism,
and served as a reminder of the shifting balance of power in the
world.
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The Zanzibar Perspective
The Anglo-Zanzibar War had a profound impact on the people
of Zanzibar. The sultan's once-proud palace, a symbol of
Zanzibar's independence, as the blows rained down, it
crumbled, a physical echo of the island’s stolen spirit. Under
the British protectorate's stifling embrace, the vibrant tapestry
of Zanzibar self-determination began to fade. On one hand, the
bombardment's thunderous roar echoed through shattered
homes and silenced lives, leaving behind a tapestry of grief. The
sultan's once-proud palace, a symbol of Zanzibar's
independence, as the blows rained down, it crumbled, a
physical echo of the island’s stolen spirit. The imposition of
British culture and values led to a gradual erosion of Zanzibars
traditions and customs. This created a sense of cultural
displacement and alienation among many Zanzibars. Although
the initial stages of British control disrupted existing trade
networks, it ultimately paved the way for the large-scale
commercialization of Zanzibar's resources, especially cloves.
However, despite the booming clove trade, the economic gains
primarily flowed into the pockets of British companies, leaving
the Zanzibar people largely excluded from the benefits of this
economic prosperity.
Reflection
The short but impactful Anglo-Zanzibar War affected both the
British and Zanzibars. Biased news fueled British support for the
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war, made it seem less costly, and strengthened their image as
a powerful nation. However, it also sparked anti-colonial
feelings and showed the hypocrisy of British claims. For the
Zanzibars, the biased information made them look bad,
weakened their resistance, and led to the quick British victory.
The war's impact still exists today, with the British story
dominating over the Zanzibars. Examining different
perspectives is key to understanding the war fully.
Evaluation
How the war was generally solved
In the wake of the British bombardment, Khalid's once grand
palace stood in ruing, its splendor diminished to a pile of
smoldering debris. The non-stop bombardment of British shells
had ravaged the city, made Khalid realize that his city was not
as strong as he thought it was. The once formidable artillery
positions lay dormant, their imposing cannons silenced by the
destructive force of the British weaponry. With each passing
moment, the gravity of Khalid's situation settled upon him, the
burden of his defeat weighing heavily on his shoulders. As
Khalid surveyed the scene of devastation, a sense of despair
gripped him. The city that he had once ruled with an iron fist
had been reduced to rubble, its people scattered and fearful.
The dream of an independent Zanzibar, free from British
domination, lay shattered in the ruins of his palace. With a
heavy heart, Khalid made the agonizing decision to abandon his
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beloved city. The British had proven themselves to be a
formidable foe, their military might far surpassing anything
Zanzibar could muster. To remain in Zanzibar would only mean
further bloodshed and destruction, a fate that Khalid was
determined to spare his people. With Khalid out of the way, the
UK was free to place the pro-British Sultan Hamud on the
throne of Zanzibar, and he ruled on behalf of Her Majesty’s
Government for the next six years. As for Khalid, he managed to
escape with a small group of loyal followers to the local
German Consulate. Despite repeated calls from the British for
his extradition, he was smuggled out of the country on October
2nd by the German navy and taken to modern day Tanzania. It
was not until British forces invaded East Africa in 1916 that
Khalid was finally captured and subsequently taken to Saint
Helena for exile. After ‘serving time’, he was later allowed to
return to East Africa where he died in 1927 (Johnson, 2015).
The British capturing the artillery gun (Johnson, 2015).
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The palace after the bombardment (Guttman, 2023).
To ends thinks off Khalid required a very strong army along with
very strong weapons knowing the British had more effective
weapons and army.
How I would personally solve the war
Khalid had two decisions, one leading to conflict, the other to
calm. His decisions, hanging heavy in the air, could shape the
future. Think of the city, untouched by the ruins of conflict.
Buildings would still stand tall. If this war did not take place the
streets would still be filled with laughter. The children would
dance, play and many more, and not mothers sobbing and
mourning lost sons. If this did not happen there would be so
much peace in the city. However, we cannot rewrite history,
only learn from its harsh lessons. Khalid’s decision was like a
single thread in a big, messy knot. War leaves marks like deep
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cuts, even if the soften with time. But by learning from past
mistakes, we can choose kindness and understanding. To
conclude Khalid should have surrender in order for the war not
to take place and the people of Zanzibar would have lived a
very peaceful life.
References
References
Guttman, H. (2023, 12 2). Zanzibar Palace. Retrieved from
Getty Images: https://www.gettyimages.ae/detail/newsphoto/the-ruins-of-zanzibar-palace-after-thebombardment-by-news-photo/51122193
Johnson, B. (2015, 11 27). The shortest war in history. Retrieved
from History-Uk: https://www.historicuk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Shortest-War-inHistory/
Lore, R. l. (2019). Why the shortest war lasted 38 minutes.
National Geographic, S. (2023, 11 27). Education National
Geographic. Retrieved from Encyclopedic entry:
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/war/
Nidirect. (2023, 12 2). Consulates and Embassies. Retrieved
from Nidirect government services:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/consulates-andembassies
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Wikipedians. (2023, 12 2). Khalid bin Barghash of Zanzibar.
Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalid_bin_Barghash_of_Za
nzibar
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