Fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar on 27 August 1896, the conflict lasted approximately 40 minutes, _(1)__ it the shortest war in history . It all started when __(2)__ pro - British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini died on August 25 and his cousin , Khalid bin Barghash , ___(3)__ the throne . Rumours claimed that the new Sultan poisoned the old one . The British government wanted Hamoud bin Muhammad in place as Sultan , and gave Khalid until 9 a.m. local time on 27 August 1896 , to cede the throne to the pro - British heir . At precisely 9 a.m. , when Khalid refused to abdicate , the British bombardment began . Guns from the British ships fired ___(4)__ the Sultan's palace . After a mere 38 minutes , Khalid's troops fled the scene . The shortest war in the history of the world was over .

1
(А). made
B making
С Having Made
D having been made


2
(А). a
B an
C The
D -

3
(А). seizing
B had seized
C seized
D has seized



4
(A). at
B from
C in
D to