Iris Chang was an American author and journalist who gained recognition for her groundbreaking work in the field of history. Born on March 28, 1968, in Princeton, New Jersey, Chang dedicated her career to documenting and raising awareness about significant human tragedies, most notably the Nanking Massacre during World War II.
Chang's study of the Nanking Massacre resulted in her widely acclaimed book, "The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II," published in 1997. This pivotal work shed light on the atrocities committed by the Imperial Japanese Army in Nanking (now Nanjing), China, between December 1937 and January 1938, during which hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were brutally killed and women were raped.
Chang's meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and unwavering pursuit of justice not only brought international attention to the Nanking Massacre but also sparked global discussions about war crimes and the importance of acknowledging historical atrocities. Her work served as a catalyst for public awareness, apology movements, and calls for justice related to the Nanking Massacre.
Tragically, Iris Chang battled with depression and took her own life on November 9, 2004, at the age of 36. However, her legacy lives on through her impactful writings, advocacy for human rights, and her immense contribution to the field of historical research. Iris Chang remains an inspiration, illustrating the power of historical knowledge and the importance of remembering and learning from the past to shape a better future.
