Calling the cops was probably a far better option than what could have happened had you decided to hit her back. Don't feel bad, because she's not a friend anyway if she could be this violent with you. Friends don't ever put their hands on you like that.
In fact, a true friend would fear and it disgusting to ever put their hands on you. Depart from this friendship immediately.
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.