Question

select the word that means began. on may 10, 1869, at 3:05 p.m., a telegram arrived in new york. the telegram announced the completion of the transcontinental railroad linking the east and the west. celebrations soon commenced around the country. from washington, d.c., to san francisco, bells were rung. in manhattan, one hundred guns were fired. in chicago, cannons were fired, and people celebrated in the streets.

Explanation:

The word 'commenced' means began. In the context, it is stated that celebrations soon 'commenced' after the arrival of the telegram, indicating they started.

Answer:

commenced