* Historically: For much of history, most children didn't attend school at all, especially those from poorer families. Education was primarily for the wealthy and elite.
* Modern Era: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of compulsory education laws in many developed nations. However, the exact dates vary widely. Some countries introduced compulsory education much earlier than others. Even within a country, the age range and duration of compulsory schooling evolved over time.
To get a precise answer, you need to specify:
* Which country? The laws are different everywhere.
* What time period? The requirements changed significantly over the years.
For example, compulsory education in the United States started at different times in different states, with many states not having universal compulsory education until well into the 20th century.