How did the English Civil War affect the Enlightenment? The English Civil War led to the concept of a “divine right” to rule, which was developed in greater detail by Enlightenment thinkers. The English Civil War caused many people to question the role of government, which sparked the imagination of Enlightenment thinkers. The English Civil War established the authority of monarchs, who were supported by Enlightenment thinkers. The English Civil War promoted the idea of absolutism, which was embraced by Enlightenment thinkers.