See the multi-choice question below:

Sentence 1: The economy flourished thanks to the expansion of a vigorous entrepreneurial capitalism in iron, steel, and railways, augmented by overseas ventures such as the Suez Canal.

Sentence 2: The economy had previously been in a decline.

If the first sentence is true, then is the second sentence true?
OPTIONS:
(1). yes
(2). it is not possible to tell
(3). no
(2).