Final answer:
The term UPA animation is a true representation of a modern animation style that broke from Disney's realism and is part of a broader spectrum of artistic evolution in filmmaking during the late 1950s and 60s, paralleling developments in other countries like Germany and Japan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that by the late 1950s and early 1960s UPA was more than just a name for a company and that the term UPA animation was shorthand for describing modern animation in general, is true. United Productions of America (UPA) was indeed influential in creating a modern style of animation that broke away from the realism of Disney. This style was characterized by abstract and stylized designs, as well as a focus on storytelling that allowed for more sophisticated themes.
During the 1950s and 60s, the film industry in countries like Germany and Japan was evolving too. Germany's film industry was prominent for its modernist approach, with films such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari leading the way in artistic experimentation. Japan saw a reform in its film industry, with producers and directors implementing different techniques and exploring various genres, from politically charged narratives to popular samurai films.
The evolution of the film industry around the world and UPA's rise in the United States exemplifies the era's climate of artistic innovation and exploration in animation and filmmaking.