We really weren't seen as a singular country even after the revolution. Each colony had it's own distinct identity and considered themselves that first and foremost. You would be a Virginian, South Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, etc. This continues to be an issue through the Civil War. We were actually referred to as "These United States" until that point. Lincoln gave a big push in his Gettysburg address towards being one nation and we soon after started referring to it as The United States. Look at the Declaration of Independence- the "united" is in smaller, lower case lettering following "the thirteen". Being "Americans" doesn't come around until the 1860s.