Final answer:
The statement is true; the cultural construct of "The West" emerged in the late Middle Ages to describe Christian Europe, differentiated from the Islamic States. The evolution of Christendom and the fall of the Roman Empire contributed to this development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of "The West" as referring specifically to Christian Europe emerged in the late Middle Ages, which indicates that the statement in question is true. Prior to this period, the concept of a unified Christendom became pivotal to the identity of Christians in Europe after the conversion of the Roman Empire. While the Roman Empire fell, the notion of Christendom grew with European Kings forming new ties within this religious framework, distinguishing themselves from the Islamic states which were seen as the enemy due to their military conquest.
During the Early Middle Ages, Western Europe experienced significant changes, including political fragmentation and the merging of military and religious values. This set the stage for what is known today as medieval culture. The term "The West" was later used to describe this European medieval culture which was increasingly viewed as separate from Byzantine and Islamic civilizations.
By the 17th century, the notion of Christendom had evolved but still played a role in creating a sense of unity amidst religious and territorial wars in Europe. Thus, the identification of 'The West' as primarily Christian Europe indeed became pronounced in the later medieval period.