I do this for builds for multiple platforms (rather than debug/release) but the concept's the same. The basic idea is that you need 2 files in the project root - a SConstruct to set up the build directories (or "variant directories" as they are known in scons), then a SConscript that describes the actual build steps.
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.