Yes, that is probably the reason coupled with the fact that you let it sit for so long. The ethanol is usually not a problem as long as you start and run the mower every month or so. Remove the carb, take it apart, and clean everything with carp cleaner.
Takeout the spark plug and clean it too. Put it all back together and give it a try.
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.