Final Answer:
Physicians and midwives came into conflict regarding attendance of births primarily during the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflict between physicians and midwives regarding attendance of births can be traced back to the late 18th century and persisted through the 19th century. In the pre-modern era, midwives were the primary attendants for childbirth, possessing traditional knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
However, with the professionalization of medicine, physicians sought to establish dominance in the field of obstetrics. This shift was fueled by advancements in medical knowledge and technology, as well as a desire for higher social status. As physicians increasingly entered the realm of childbirth, conflicts arose over jurisdiction and authority.
During the 19th century, the medical profession began to gain institutional recognition, and obstetrics became a specialized field within medicine. With the establishment of medical schools and professional organizations, physicians sought to marginalize midwives and diminish their role in childbirth.
This led to legal and social battles over the right to attend births, with physicians advocating for the medicalization of childbirth and portraying midwives as outdated and unskilled. The conflicts often centered around issues of gender, class, and professional legitimacy.
In conclusion, the tension between physicians and midwives regarding attendance of births emerged during the late 18th century and persisted throughout the 19th century. This historical conflict reflects the broader dynamics of professionalization in medicine and the changing social attitudes toward childbirth and women's roles in healthcare.