Final answer:
The Second Great Awakening was a 19th-century religious movement that stressed personal salvation and emotional worship, influencing both North and South America. It played a crucial role in promoting social and political reform efforts, notably in abolitionism and women's rights, and was instrumental in shaping various societal aspects during that era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Second Great Awakening was a powerful religious revival movement that re-shaped American religion and society in the 19th century. Unlike statement A, which suggests that the revival was exclusive to the South, this movement was widespread and affected both the northern and southern United States. In line with statement B, the Second Great Awakening placed strong emphasis on personal salvation, emotional worship, and the idea of free will, countering predestination and promoting the notion that anyone could be saved through faith and good works.
Contrary to statement C, the awakening had a significant impact on societal and political reform efforts. As per statement D, it galvanized various social reform movements including but not limited to abolitionism and the fight for women's rights. In the North and especially in Western New York's "Burned-Over District," led by Charles Finney, the awakening spurred many to seek perfection, both personally and society-wide, leading to a burst of social activism. Religious groups like Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians experienced substantial growth during this era, and the message of the awakening also deeply influenced African American slaves and free blacks, inspiring calls for freedom and even rebellions. This era saw the foundation of numerous organizations to support the dissemination of religious and moral education, such as the American Bible Society and the American Tract Society.