For "basic" graphic design any version of photoshop after 5.5 is adequate. Each version of photoshop has ways of making work faster, more effecient, and able to work better with new technology. Most of the advanced features of the later CS versions are beyond the needs of basic users though they can be nice I am a self employed designer, photographer and artist and I just "downgraded" this year to Photoshop Elements after using all versions of Photoshop since 5.5.Even in this cut down version its possible to do anything the full version can, its often just not as fast or effieint.
I like the simple freindly interface and low cost of Elements. And its smaller size makes it work faster and more reliably. Its also super easy to learn for those I have to teach.
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.