montbéliard was occupied in 1676 by french troops. king louis xiv was trying to conquer all württemberg possessions on the left bank of the rhine. george fled the courty. in 1684, he was given an opportunity to return, under the condition that he recognized the king of france as his liege lord. he refused, and württemberg-montbéliard was administered by his cousin frederick charles, duke of württemberg-winnental until 1698.