What was a central reform movement associated with the Burnt Over District?

The central reform movement associated with the Burnt Over District is revivalism. This area, located in upstate New York, became a hotspot for religious fervor in the early 19th century, mainly during the Second Great Awakening. The movement was characterized by a series of religious revivals that emphasized personal piety, a direct connection to God, and emotional experiences in worship.

In this context, revivalism, as a reform movement, sought to reinvigorate the religious landscape of America, encouraging individuals to experience spiritual rebirth and devote themselves to moral improvement and social causes. These revivals not only focused on personal salvation but also led to the advocacy of various social reforms, such as abolitionism and temperance, all influenced by the heightened sense of moral responsibility emerging from the revivalist spirit.

The Burnt Over District specifically became famous for the density and intensity of these religious gatherings, which often drew large crowds and sparked the founding of new religious sects. Thus, revivalism is the most appropriate answer as it encapsulates the essence of the reform movement that defined this region during that era.