If I understand correctly, you want a flexible method that does not require knowing which columns exist in each table aside from the columns you want to merge by and the columns you want to preserve. This may not be the most elegant solution, but here is an example function to suit your exact needs.
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.