How did Karl Lueger use antisemitism in his political campaigns in Vienna?

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Antisemitism demonstration in Paris — antisemitism Demonstrators protesting antisemitism during a silent march in Paris. The march commemorated Mireille Knoll, a Jewish woman who had survived the Holocaust and was murdered in her home on March 23, 2018, in what authorities called a hate crime.

Karl Lueger, the mayor of Vienna and leader of the Christian Social Party, strategically exploited antisemitism as a tool for political demagoguery to secure support among artisans and the lower-middle class.1

Rather than relying on a singular ideology, Lueger utilized antisemitism to gain mainstream respectability for extremist views. His methods included:

Promoting Myths: He supported politicians who perpetuated the blood libel, a dangerous and false accusation that has historically incited violence against Jewish communities.1
Targeting Institutions: He frequently inveighed against an alleged Jewish influence within academia and the press to stir public resentment.1
Legitimizing Extremism: By incorporating antisemitic rhetoric into his political platform, he provided a "patina of respectability" to the more virulent, racist demagoguery of figures like Georg, Ritter von Schönerer.1

While some historical interpretations have dismissed his actions as mere political expediency, his rhetoric contributed to a climate of prejudice that influenced later figures, including Adolf Hitler.1