Top 10 Shortest Wars in Modern History

War is often characterized by prolonged conflict, strategic maneuvers, and devastating consequences. However, throughout history, some wars have been remarkably brief, flaring up in the blink of an eye before sputtering out just as quickly. While many conflicts drag on for years, the following list highlights ten of the shortest wars since 1800, demonstrating that sometimes, conflict can be resolved—or concluded—almost instantaneously.

1. Anglo-Zanzibar War (1896)

Duration: 38 minutes
The Anglo-Zanzibar War holds the record for the shortest recorded war in history. It erupted on August 27, 1896, when Sultan Khalid bin Barghash opposed British demands for a puppet leader. The British bombarded the sultan’s palace, leading to a swift and decisive victory. By the end of the bombardment, the sultan had fled, and British forces claimed victory in less than an hour.

2. Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)

Duration: 1 day
Often overshadowed by the scale of World War II, some battles within the Second Sino-Japanese War can be pinpointed to single days. One such instance occurred on July 7, 1937, when a skirmish at the Marco Polo Bridge escalated into full-scale war. The conflict between China and Japan would last for years, but this particular incident is often marked as the official start and duration of one of its pivotal moments.

3. Six-Day War (1967)

Duration: 6 days
Taking place from June 5 to June 10, 1967, this war was a conflict between Israel and several neighboring Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Following a series of military confrontations, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, quickly gaining territory and securing victory in less than a week. The implications of this war would resonate throughout the Middle East for decades to come.

4. Romania vs. Hungary (1945)

Duration: 2 days
After World War II, tensions between Romania and Hungary led to a brief military engagement over territory disputes. However, their war was relatively short-lived, culminating in a swift diplomatic resolution. Occurring in September 1945, neither side sustained significant losses, yet it serves as a reminder of the fragile peace in post-war Europe.

5. Football War (1969)

Duration: 4 days
Strangely, the conflict between El Salvador and Honduras is known as the “Football War” due to its origins in a series of football matches. Tensions over migration issues and border disputes led to a brief war from July 14-18, 1969. The conflict resulted in thousands of casualties, and while it lasted just four days, it highlighted the intense rivalry and political unrest in Central America at the time.

6. Biafran War (1967-1970)

Duration: 3 days
While the Biafran War itself lasted much longer, certain key battles, such as the initial invasion by Nigeria in July 1967 and the rapid takeover of Biafra, resulted in rapid clashes that lasted only a few days. The broader conflict over the secession of Biafra ultimately lasted until 1970, but the initial military actions were characterized by quick engagements and swift shifts in control.

7. Chilean Civil War (1891)

Duration: 1 month
The Chilean Civil War, which flared up in 1891 between factions supporting President José Manuel Balmaceda and those favoring the National Congress, culminated in a brutal conflict lasting about a month. While it involved a series of skirmishes, the resolution came relatively quickly with Balmaceda’s defeat, leading to his eventual suicide—a tragic end to a fast-paced conflict.

8. War of the Pacific (1879-1884)

Duration: 6 months
While the War of the Pacific lasted several years, the initial hostilities between Chile and its adversaries—Peru and Bolivia—began with quickly fought battles in 1879 that determined the course of the war. The rapid engagements that occurred within the first months are notably short, illustrating how quickly nations can clash over territorial disputes.

9. Invasion of Grenada (1983)

Duration: 4 days
The U.S.-led invasion of Grenada, codenamed Operation Urgent Fury, began on October 25, 1983, and swiftly concluded on October 29. The quick military action was spurred by a coup in Grenada but met with international controversy. The effective American intervention resulted in an almost immediate end to hostilities and control over the island.

10. Turkish War of Independence (1920-1922)

Duration: Series of battles over weeks
The Turkish War of Independence involved a series of conflicts following World War I, where Turkish nationalists sought to resist foreign control. Key clashes between Turkish forces and invading armies often lasted mere days, characterized by quick offensives that altered the course of the conflict.