Many different cultures can be found in the Middle East
europe
Natural resources, like diamonds and gold
spread of middle eastern culture and technology to Europe.
The fall of the Roman empire
The main result of the Crusades was an increase in trade between the Middle East and Europe.
A very large amount of refugees have been coming from Africa and the Middle East to Europe. As a result, some of the countries in the European Union are directly having to deal with them and others are going to help by taking the refugees.
It was the concentration of workers in urbans areas.
Cultural exchanges between the Middle East and Europe grew.
The Alps were formed as a result of plate movements of the Earth's crust. Africa pushed north into Europe, and as a result the Alps formed. This is still happening, and the Alps are still rising.
The Panama Canal became a shortcut for sea routes from one coast of North America to the other, as well as from Eastern Asia to the Atlantic sea routes. Thus the canal itself can be said to be a crossroad for maritime traffic worldwide.
Europe had several reasons for wanting to dominate Africa and Asia. For one, it would result in profit for European countries, such as resources and labor. Europeans also believed in Social Darwinism, in which they thought Europeans were the superior race. The Great Powers in Europe were also competing for power, and thus were competing for land and colonies. Some other minor reasons include the spreading of Christianity and to explore unseen lands, mainly in Africa.