Academic tenure was put in place in U.S. school systems in the first half of the 20th century to protect teachers from arbitrary punishment, but in the last several decades it has morphed into something else altogether.
More facts about short wars: 1  The second-shortest war in recorded history occurred during the 20th century. Launched on 5 June 1967, the Six Day War was the result of Egypt calling for Arab nations to take action against Israel after leaders in that nation made threats against the country of Syria.
Open warfare between Britain and China broke out in 1839. Further disputes over the treatment of British merchants in Chinese ports resulted in the Second Opium War. China was defeated in both wars leaving its government having to tolerate the opium trade.