However, there's no clear evidence that Thomas Jefferson capitalized it intentionally to make a specific point.
Here's why:
* Capitalization Practices of the Time: Capitalization was not as standardized in the 18th century as it is today. It was common to capitalize important words or nouns, particularly when they were used to refer to specific entities.
* Grammatical Conventions: The use of capital letters in this context was likely influenced by the prevailing grammatical conventions of the time.
* Emphasis vs. Intent: While capitalization could be a way to emphasize certain words, it's important to recognize that Jefferson was not trying to create a new, formal name for the nation in this document. The Declaration was a statement of separation, not a declaration of a new national identity.
It's likely that Jefferson's capitalization was simply a reflection of the common writing practices of the time, not a deliberate attempt to make a political statement.
However, the practice of capitalizing "United States" later became a formalized way to refer to the nation, solidifying its unique identity and status.