There are many tools available (a quick google search should fetch you some) that can generate XSD from XML assuming string type for almost everything. You should be able to use that XSD to run JAXB to get classes.
From your xml file, you can create a XML Schema Definition (XSD) file. Once you have the XSD, you'll be able to generate the code, need it be for java, C#, C++, or all of the above.
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.