During the years between the war of 1812 and the civil war, naval forces were dispatched worldwide and naval officers were entrusted with wide discretion to

The answer is ''To exercise diplomacy or force''

Between 1812 and the American Civil war, the Untied States was gradually becoming a major regional player.

It was both growing in Territory as well as the economy.

It was also looking to develop a powerful Navy and gave officers to right to carry out diplomacy with the nations they encounter or use force if necessary.

Confucian

Explanation:

The Song, Han, and Ming were all dynasties in China.

Confucian was not a dynasty.

Instead, Confucian relates to the philosophy of Confucianism.

This philosophy was widespread in China, and many of the dynasties. However, it wasn't a dynasty itself.

So, the correct answer is Confucian.