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The period of transition from the dynastically composed, multi-ethnic Habsburg monarchy to theRepublic of German-Austria/Austriawas marked by fundamental economic crises, social tensions, and traumas as a consequence of the harrowing experiences of the war. This situation led to extensive social and political radicalization, including a massive rise in anti-Semitism. The paper focuses on the reasons for this increase in anti-Semitism and describes the rhetoric of the politicians during the war and in the immediate post-war period. Based on the stenographic protocols of the meetings in the Austrian Imperial Assembly and the (Provisional) National Assembly, the politicians who used anti-Semitic speeches in order to achieve particular goals are identified and examples of how the situation and rights of the Austrian Jewish population was discussed in parliament are given. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]