Bombardment of Zanzibar, 1896

Record Group — Album: 58

Identifier: 58

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

All photographs in this album, with the exception of the first, are uncaptioned. Captions were supplied during the inventory process. The inventory lists the photographs without indication of the pages on which they appear; pages have been indicated here.

Dates

1896

Creator

From the Collection: Winterton, Humphrey (Person)

Language of Materials

French

Conditions Governing Access

To inquire about access to this collection, please contact the Herskovits Library at africana@northwestern.edu.

Historic Notes

In 1896 Sultan Seyyid Barghash’s son, Khalid, attempted to reject British subjugation of the sultanate and re-establish the autonomy of Zanzibar. He made claim to the throne and installed himself in the Palace. The British issued an ultimatum which was not met and they bombarded the Palace from the sea. The assault lasted just forty-five minutes and is often referred to as the shortest war in history. The Palace was ruined and Khalid sought refuge in the German consulate, eventually fleeing to German East Africa.

Extent

1 album (1 album, 8 p., 37 x 26 cm.) : Small folio (37 x 26 cm.), containing 17 silver prints, one pencil caption on the first album leaf; extremities of some images a little faded; recent half morocco, buckram sides, gilt lettering to spine.