Looks like your question already contains the answer(the upload works when you create the directory via FTP).
First of all, your script has a security hole. Never use passed $_POST data to create system directories. And never use 0777 for anything.
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.