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The shortest recorded war lasted less than an hour

The Anglo-Zanzibar War on August 27, 1896, is commonly recorded as lasting between 38 and 45 minutes.

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The conflict began after an ultimatum expired and British ships opened fire on the palace in Zanzibar. The palace flag was lowered shortly afterward, ending organized resistance.

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The Declaration was signed in August, not on July 4

Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but delegates began signing the parchment copy on August 2.

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Two people have turned down a Nobel Prize

Two laureates have declined a Nobel Prize: Jean-Paul Sartre in 1964 and Le Duc Tho in 1973.

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Ellis Island processed 12 million immigrants

From 1892 to 1924, more than 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island.

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