For PPT files I don't think this is possible. Or at least using the object model, I suppose that you might be able to use Windows API functions to find the password dialog and send in the password to it but that wouldn't be very robust.
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.