If saying "change" you mead a data, inside WPF you never and ever need to access UI elements directly, as they are subject to change. What you have to do is to read the data bound to them. With correct databinding setupped on that controls you will have always updated information.
Again, You do not make a List of UI elements in WPF. You use an ItemsControl and set its ItemTemplate Property to whatever UI you need to represent your items.
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.