Get an intel i5 processor, and an nvidia grapics card. For the hard drive try to get at least one sata. For ram get 4-6 gigs, you won't need any more than than unless you're doing something like video production.
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.