I have done something like what you are asking. Basically I created a view, but I didn't associate it to the default layout. That way, when you load the view it only contains the HTML of the view, and not all the extras from the default layout.
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.