You could also check out Marathon, an automation framework for Java GUIs. I've been able to get it to work with Java apps w/out access to their source, though it might be a little overkill for the task you are attempting :).
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.