Watch San Francisco's Great Quake

In 1906, a massive earthquake shook San Francisco to its core, leaving thousands of people dead and forcing the city to rebuild from the ground up. Over a century later, National Geographic takes viewers back in time to explore the events of that fateful day in their show "San Francisco's Great Quake."

Through a combination of stunning visual effects, archival footage, and expert interviews, the show brings to life the chaos and devastation of the earthquake and its aftermath. We see the streets of San Francisco transformed into a hellish landscape of toppled buildings, fires, and debris, as residents struggle to escape the carnage and find safety.

Amid the swirling dust and smoke, we follow the stories of several real-life survivors, each of whom experienced the earthquake in a different way. From a young boy trapped in the wreckage of his home to a wealthy business owner caught in the middle of the city's financial district, their perspectives help us understand the variety of experiences that defined this tragedy.

The show also delves into the history of the San Andreas Fault, the geological feature responsible for the earthquake. Using cutting-edge technology and expert analysis, we learn how the fault works, what causes earthquakes to occur, and how scientists are working to predict future earthquakes and prepare communities for their potential impact.

Perhaps most fascinatingly, "San Francisco's Great Quake" illuminates the unprecedented efforts undertaken by the city to rebuild in the wake of the disaster. We see how architects, engineers, and city planners came together to create a new vision for San Francisco, transforming the city into the bustling metropolis we know today.

Throughout the show, we are reminded of the incredible resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Despite the staggering loss of life and destruction of property, the people of San Francisco refused to be defeated by the earthquake. Instead, they came together to rebuild their city and create a new future for themselves and their children.

Overall, "San Francisco's Great Quake" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most significant disasters in American history. Through its compelling storytelling and groundbreaking visuals, the show brings the events of 1906 vividly to life and leaves us with a deep appreciation for the strength and resolve of the human spirit.