The solution contains source control settings (amongst other things), so if you were to open (and edit) a file from outside of the context of a solution it would not be properly checked out, unless it already is checked out (and thereby is not readonly). To overcome your problem you can either create a solution that contains both the files (and projects) or open two instances of VS.
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.