In 1890, Zanzibar, an island off East Africa, came under British protection. A new sultan, or ruler, needed Britain's permission.
In August 1896, the sultan died, and Khalid bin Barghash took the palace without permission. Britain ordered him out by 9 a.m. on 27 August. Instead, he barricaded himself inside with about 2,800 defenders.
At 9:02, British warships opened fire and set the palace ablaze. Khalid fled, and the shelling stopped around 9:40.