Why was W. E.B. DuBois often seen as the intellectual opposition to Booker T. Washington?

Because DuBois argued that blacks should organize themselves politically and begin to claim their rights, while Washington argued that blacks should not confront whites but help each other.

Explanation:

Dubois and Washington were two black leaders, who strongly influenced the position of the African American population, however they had opposite thoughts. Dubois presented more intellectual thoughts, saying that blacks should seek political and civic education, obtaining enough information to combat the oppression of white citizens. However, Washington argued that blacks should not fight the oppression of white society, but should strive to earn their own livelihood and not irritate whites or get in their way.

Dubois believed that Washington's approach encouraged racism, while Washington believed that Dubois's approach encouraged violence against blacks.