Why is it that Western European people and Eastern European people look different (generally speaking)?

Answer 1

Historically they come from different (ethnic) groups. I presume you mean by Western Europeans the North Western Europeans, for there are also differences between Southern Europe (Mediterranean) and the North. Almost every country has several other (official) languages spoken within its borders and/or other indigenous people or minorities. This in part has to do with the migrations of nations in the (recent) past.

The East have strong Slavic influence (with traits of the Mongolian and Muslim invasions and occupations from the past (the Ottoman Empire is a good example). But Romania for instance have a Roman language (like Spanish and Italian).

The North West is more Anglo, German, Latin and Celtic influenced. The South more Latin, Greek, Iberian. Because of the Berber/Arab/Muslim 800 years occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain and Portugal carry this heritage.

In the far North we encounter a group called the Sami People (Lapland), an indigenous group, with their own distinctive traits, language and culture. The North East (Finland, Baltic States) used to be part of the Russian (Tsar) Empire.

It's far more complicated. This is in a nutshell. For more information visit websites like Wikipedia.

Answer 2

I haven't noticed that trend. There are as many nationalities and historical backgrounds in Eastern Europe as anywhere else, but there is more central asian and perhaps some middle eastern influence in the Balkan States and points south. The Caucasion look (from the Caucasus) is actually a bit idfferent than the straight up round eyed look that we associate with the western european white people we think we look like.
I am a squinty eyed, high cheek boned, central-asian looking white American myself.

Answer 3

They are a different ethnic group. Eastern Europeans are Slavic and sometimes have a little Asian mixed in, While Western Europeans are Germanic, Celtic, or Latin.

Answer 4

Eastern Europeans are Slavic, Western Europeans are Germanic, Celtic, or Latin.

Answer 5

Cause they're different people, Eastern Europeans and Slovaks while Western Europeans are Anglos, Saxons, and Prussian.

Answer 6

eastern Europeans are descents of Slavic and western Europeans from Germans, Anglo,etc. another reason is eastern Europeans were ruled by communists and western Europeans by capitalists

Answer 7

I think eastern Europe was influenced by the Turks and the Khazars while western Europe was influenced by the Scandinavians

Answer 8

People from eastern Europe are descendants of Slavic tribes and people in western Europe are descendants of Germanic tribes.

Answer 9

Because Western and Southern Europeans were invaded by Muzzies while Eastern Europeans were invaded by the Mongols. And their women were raped en masse. You figure it out, Einstein.

Answer 10

Eastern Europe has a very heavy Muslim Influence.