In modern time:
Napoleon controlled most of Europe for approximately 15 years.
Japanese occupied most of East, South East of Asia and the Pacific in six years.
Hitler occupied Europe in less than two years.
Allied forces were battling for five years to free Europe. USA and allied forces defeated Japanese in the Pacific - Asia front in less than four years war.
France and USA were defeated by the Vietnamese army after a war that lasted 25 years.
Last war the Second Gulf War March 20, 2003 still going on.