Maybe I'm misreading what you wrote, but I don't think you can have php code in your css file. Try moving your second code block into your theme's header. Php file, wrapped in style tags.
You can't use PHP tags in a CSS file, unless you've specifically set up your server to allow it. Showing us the resulting rendered style. Css may help further diagnose, but I suspect this is your issue.
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.