When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Le Guin seemed far more interested in creating her own world than making specific allusions to ours. As a result, the direst shout-outs are minimal in the novel. With that said, she does draw parallels between our world and Gethen. See if you can't discover some of those in your readings.