The action is a standard 'colonial squadron takes sides during a local power struggle' but it showcases a typical British cruiser and gunboat action ("gunboat diplomacy" in the age of imperialism). The British squadron had one relatively powerful cruiser (the St. George), a smaller cruiser (Philomel), an old small cruiser (the Racoon), and two colonial gunboats. The only major armed ship in the Zanzibar fleet, the old frigate/yacht Glasgow (actually intended as a Sultan's status symbol), was sunk by the British squadron, and the city and palace were shelled.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE CRISIS (link to an external website)
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