There were no territorial army corps in time of peace; and the lack of this organisation led to a grievous waste of time and energy.
Regiments were frequently far away from the depots which contained the reservists' equipment; and when these had found their equipment, they often wandered widely before finding their regiments on the way to the frontier.

One general officer hunted about on the frontier for a command which did not exist.

As a result of this lack of organisation, and of that control over the railways which the Germans had methodically enforced, France lost the many advantages which her compact territory and excellent railway system ought to have ensured over her more straggling and poorer rival.
The loss of time was as fatal as it was singular under the rule of a Napoleon whose uncle had so often shattered his foes by swift movements of troops.

In 1870 Napoleonic France had nothing but speed and dash on which to count.

Numbers were against her.