You need to add the Boost libraries to your LIBS in the Makefile.am as well as add the Boost specific CPPFLAGS and LDFLAGS.
I realized there is a separate Makefile.am under the src directory. I added the link to -lboost_system and -lboost_thread into the programs needed and it can compile now.
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.