On this day, August 27, in 1896

The Anglo-Zanzibar War broke out between Zanzibar and the United Kingdom, lasting only 45 minutes but inflicting great damage on Zanzibar's Army and Palace. Two days earlier, the Sultan of Zanzibar died leaving the little island off the coast of East Africa in the hands of his nephew. This new Sultan did not cooperate with the British as readily as his predecessor had so Britain decided to install a more favorable candidate in his place. When Britain's plan was met with resistance, five warships were sent to the coast of Zanzibar, firing at its small army non-stop for 45 minutes. Britain then made Zanzibar's government pay for the shells they fired on the island. Who do they think they are?