How did Bismarcks Anti-socialist Campaign backfired?

Answer 1

Bismarck blamed the socialists for attempted assassinations on the Kaiser then held elections. To his surprise, the socialist party grew in numbers, rather than decline as a result of his campaign.

Answer 2

Bismarck's Anti-Socialist campaign backfired because it actually increased support for the Socialists. Instead of quelling their movement, the repressive measures used by Bismarck, such as banning socialist publications and imprisoning socialist leaders, made the Socialists appear as victims of an authoritarian regime. As a result, more people sympathized with their cause and supported the Socialist Party in elections.