I had to do something similar, eventually I used the Jira Scripting Suite since it was easier. I've added a Jython post function to "Create issue" transition.
You could try consuming the activity feed from Jira. This page outlines the url to access it and to filter it to match your search criteria https://developer.atlassian.com/display/STREAMS/Consuming+an+Activity+Streams+Feed.
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.