Either instantiate your view models in the constructor of the ShellViewModel or if you wish to instantiate them at a later point, then add setters to your view model properties, and call the NotifyOfPropertyChange method to notify your UI that those property references have changed.
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.