Historical Events tagged with "east africa"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

The Quick Clash of Anglo-Zanzibar War

August 27th, 1896 128 years ago

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, lasting only 38 minutes, took place between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. This brief conflict was triggered by the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini and the subsequent appointment of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash without British approval. The British favored a successor who would align with their interests. On the morning of the conflict, British naval forces bombarded the Sultan's palace, leading to rapid destruction and the swift surrender of the Sultan's forces. The war concluded with a decisive victory for the British, marking a significant moment in the colonial history of East Africa.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

British Victory at Abu Klea Against Dervishes

January 17th, 1885 140 years ago

A British force led by Major-General Charles Gordon battled a large Dervish army at Abu Klea in Sudan, securing a significant victory amidst challenging terrain and fierce resistance. The British troops employed advanced tactics and superior firepower, which proved decisive against the Dervish forces. This clash was part of the larger Sudan Campaign aimed at restoring British control over Sudan in the wake of the Mahdist uprising.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Closure of Zanzibar's Slave Market by Sultan Barghash

June 5th, 1873 151 years ago

Sultan Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar issued a decree to close the notorious slave market in Zanzibar in compliance with a treaty agreed upon with Great Britain. This groundbreaking decision signified a major turning point in the region’s stance towards slavery, a deeply entrenched institution at the time. The treaty aimed to curb the slave trade and improve human rights conditions, marking Zanzibar as a key player in the abolitionist movement of the 19th century.

Continue Reading