Use si ( stepi ) to instruction step through the code. You can use ni ( nexti ) to step over library functions you're not interested in. If you accidentally step into one of them finish should get you back to your original routine.
People working at this level typically have gdb set to display the next few instructions that are about to be executed, e.g. Disp/3i $pc .
Disclaimer : I am not at all a GDB user. I am a C# developer and use VS.Net 2010 for development.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.