Photoshop CS5 is the gold standard that does everything, and Elements 8 is mostly a scaled-down version (of Photoshop CS4) for less serious users. You can just download and install a trial of either to see which fits your needs best http://www.AdobeTrials.com.
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.