You need to add a property with the same name as the DropDownList to the model you are using in the controller that is recieving the post. If the names match up, the framework will put the selected value into the matching model property.
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.