I'm not sure if you want to open all external links in new windows (tabs) or only select links.
If you want a few specific links to open in a new window, go with tor's answer. If you want all external links to do so, MediaWiki already has a setting for it: $wgExternalLinkTarget. Just add the following to your LocalSettings.
Php file.
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.