Today in History: China imposed a lockdown on Wuhan to control the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

The following are ten significant historical events that occurred on January 23:

1. 1556 – The Shaanxi Earthquake: The deadliest earthquake on record struck Shaanxi province, China, resulting in approximately 830,000 fatalities.
2. 1571 – Opening of the Royal Exchange in London: Queen Elizabeth I inaugurated the Royal Exchange, establishing it as London’s center of commerce.
3. 1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell’s Medical Degree: Elizabeth Blackwell graduated from Geneva Medical College in New York, becoming the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree.
4. 1960 – Deepest Ocean Dive: Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh reached a record depth of 10,911 meters (35,797 feet) in the Mariana Trench aboard the bathyscaphe “Trieste.”
5. 1964 – Ratification of the 24th Amendment: The United States ratified the 24th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the use of poll taxes in federal elections.
6. 1973 – Vietnam War Ceasefire Announced: U.S. President Richard Nixon announced that an accord had been reached to end the Vietnam War, leading to a ceasefire.
7. 1977 – Premiere of “Roots” Miniseries: The television miniseries “Roots,” based on Alex Haley’s novel, premiered on ABC, becoming one of the most popular shows in American television history.
8. 1986 – First Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included legends such as Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Elvis Presley.
9. 1997 – Madeleine Albright Sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State: Madeleine Albright was sworn in as the first female U.S. Secretary of State, serving under President Bill Clinton.
10. 2020 – Wuhan Lockdown Due to COVID-19: China imposed a lockdown on the city of Wuhan and its 9 million residents in an effort to control the COVID-19 epidemic.