My guess is you're using a Release configuration - the optimizer may have removed the variable, as it's pointless other than for debugging. You assign it a value, but never read it. In a Debug configuration, I'd expect it to be fine (but possibly create a warning).
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.