2 Minute History January 17th

January 17th is marked by several significant historical events. In 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, becoming a key figure in American history as a statesman, inventor, and author. In 1945, the Soviet Army liberated Auschwitz, exposing the horrors of the Holocaust and emphasizing the importance of human rights. The year 1966 saw Shirley Chisholm elected as the first African American woman to Congress, breaking barriers for representation in U.S. politics. Lastly, in 1994, the Great Northridge Earthquake struck Los Angeles, leading to significant changes in building codes and emergency preparedness following widespread destruction.