he colonial influence of each world power during the 19th century was a subject over which many countries fought over. Many wars were started over colonial claims due to the large amount of money that could be made from these oversea’s possessions. Such was the case for most of Africa where many of Europe’s colonial powers fought for dominance over the region’s plentiful natural resources.
To truly gain dominance over these regions the European empires had to placate the locals of each region, something which each empire did with varying success. Due to the technological and tactical differences of each region conflicts would either last days, weeks or years but no conflict ended as quickly as the Anglo-Zanzibar War.
Short-lived independence
Zanzibar became independent in 1858 after breaking apart from the country of Oman. During their brief years of independence, Zanzibar would make a fortune off the slave trade in Africa, an endeavour which the British Empire did not agree with. After banning the slave trade in their country in 1833 Great Britain sought to abolish it worldwide using their large merchant navy to enforce the ban.
