I'm American, and I'm well aware of Spain's status as a "first rate" highly developed country, as most Americans are. You're generalizing and assuming. Yes, there are some Americans that don't know much about other countries, but the majority of us are well aware of the fact that Spain is a developed country.
What I've gathered from your question is that you seem intent on generalizing all Americans perception of Spain, in addition to looking down on Mexico.
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.