It's possible that the hacker in question used you as a way to send spam. Well, probable, not possible, there's not many other reasons unless you're directly involved with government work. In this case, it is likely that sites marked you as a spammer and have blacklisted (banned contact with) your email.
Sorry, but it is likely you'll have to set up a new email if the messages don't start coming back. At least that's been my experience. EDIT Call if at all possible to explain the situation in full.
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.