I don't know anything about winthrop email but if it uses pop or imap then your laughing. You just setup your mail according to the account settings, it would be the same for outlook, windows mail, etc. If it is a university email just email your tech support and tell them you want to use an email client they should be able to supply the info you need to use thunderbird.
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.