[1] He worked throughout his career with the French to limit the authority of the Holy Roman Emperor, and participated in the Franco-Dutch War on the opposite side from the Empire.

[3] When it became clear that Leopold I was going to win the election,[4] Maximilian worked with the other Electors to put restrictions on his authority, forcing him to sign a statement that he would not support Spain in any way.

[5] Another of the terms that Maximilian and his fellow electors imposed on the Emperor was that the Archbishop-Electors should have the freedom to remove the Papal nuncio from the Empire.

In 1670, the city leaders of Cologne received Imperial permission to host a Dutch garrison of 5000 infantry and 1000 cavalry, hoping to be protected against an expected French army.

When the people began to complain about these preparations for war, Maximilian blamed William, but was mollified by the receipt of additional French funds.

The treaty with the Dutch included a general amnesty for officers on both sides, with an exception for those convicted of treason, inserted to allow the Austrians to continue to hold William.