Question

Why did europe not play a large role in the african slave trade before the 1400s?

Answer 1

Because slaves were mostly exported to the United States or America in general. With that said, the Americas were first discovered in 1492. Another possible reason for the late smaller scale slave trade that happened from Africa to Europe or other places around the world was that Africa was not that well explored before these times; atleast the southern and middle parts of it.

Answer 2

Peasants provided European leaders with enough labor.