I had to do something similar to this... here is a "Hiding Column Model" that will hide/show columns based on the return value of the "fieldHasData" method... it is probably a close start to what you were asking.
Since I could not find a similar plugin anywhere, I just implemented it myself :).
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.