Final answer:
The generalization that alcohol is widely used by adolescents in most European nations is complex and varies by country. Historically, alcohol has been an important part of European culture, but temperance movements emerged due to new social contexts, marking a shift in attitudes toward consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that alcohol is widely used by adolescents and even children in most European nations is a generalization that doesn't reflect the complex reality and differs from country to country. It is true that historically, alcohol consumption has been a significant part of European culture. For example, before the Middle Ages, beer and wine were commonly consumed, and the invention of distillation in the 15th century led to the production of spirits like gin, vodka, and whisky. Consumption was often encouraged in moderation, as noted by the Christian Church from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and in ancient civilizations such as Greece, Egypt, and Rome, where moderation was the celebrated norm.
The temperance movement, which aimed to curb the consumption of alcohol, emerged partly due to new social conditions, such as increasing urbanization and immigration. This sentiment was especially pronounced in the United States, influenced by various factors such as the political landscape post-World War I and the availability of safe drinking water. Temperance and prohibition movements also made significant progress in countries with large Protestant populations.
To answer the exercise question, True - The temperance movement did indeed stem in part from new social conditions such as increasing urbanization and immigration, as stated in Exercise 13.3.3.