Do not use security namespace shortcuts and migrate all spring configuration from XML to Java. It will make fine tuning of your security much easier. I'm going to do it for our project soon after migrating to 3.1. You can find non-trivial almost plain-bean security XML config example here .
I found this reference to be really good. It explains what each bean is behind the Security namespace.
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.