Final answer:
The compulsory attendance laws aimed to move children from work to the classroom, with a usual requirement of attending school for at least three months each year, contributing to reduced child labor and higher literacy rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the compulsory attendance laws passed in the mid-1800s was to ensure that children attended school for a certain period each year and to move them away from the workforce, particularly factories, and into schools. These laws were part of a broader societal reform movement aimed at reducing child labor and increasing literacy and education among the youth.
The compulsory education laws mandated that children attend school, this requirement was often set at a minimum of three months each year. Therefore, the correct answer to the original question is (b) - Enabled mandatory attendance for children at least three months a year.
These laws were also part of a push towards public education which was argued to be essential for preparing youth for social and civic duties as adults, part of maintaining a functioning democracy, and for laying the groundwork for future opportunities and advancement.