The Provo movement (1965-1972) was directed by a "playful
anarchist" group which combined non-violence and absurd humor to
create social change. The name Provo was coined by Dutch
sociologist Buikhuizen to describe, in a condescending way,
post-war disaffected Dutch teens who spent their time provoking
the authorities. Roel van Duyn, a philosophy student at the
University of Amsterdam, saw the potential in the term, which he
explored thoroughly in issue 1 of Provo magazine, 12 July 1965.
The theatrical street happenings organized by the Provos
attracted huge crowds and often resulted in over-reaction by the
police. The group found great sympathy among Amsterdammers and
at one point obtained five seats on the City Council. Its ideas
influenced urban planning, social housing, and cultural life in
general. It campaigned against marijuana prohibition, air
pollution from urban traffic congestion, and the tobacco
industry, and it created numerous anti-royal events and
literature. The demise of Provo was due to its