When things are bad, bleak, or gloomy (dark times), unusual action(s) (extreme measures) are required.
Dark times" means that there is serious trouble/ problems in the world/ community. "extreme measures" means that what is done to deal with the trouble is not easy/ simple/ usual/ harsh. So this figurative expression means that unusual / harsh action is required to deal with the serious problems in the world/ community.
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.